Alison Suzanne Mackie (Suzie)

Here is a message from Sally Wynn-Pitman (née ffrench-Constant): Dearest Tim. Thinking of you All so much, especially Friday. My signal is not good and I tried to post on the website but failed. Here’s what I’d like to say... “I’m on a boat on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe at the moment with dodgy internet connection, and so can’t post anything too long or with pictures. But I just wanted to say that although our childhood together in Zimbabwe is such a long time ago now, Suzie has always had a special place in my heart and indeed the hearts of all the ffrench-Constant family. In more recent years we reconnected in England and it was incredible to see that she was just the same - fabulously vibrant, endlessly social and utterly brilliant at what she does best - looking out for others and especially her precious family. And her Facebook posts showed it all. Dearest Suzie, I will miss you hugely. I won’t be there to say goodbye properly, but I’m sending you all the sunshine of Africa -always. With lots of love. Sally Wynn-Pitman (née ffrench-Constant).”

The Mackies and AlSarhanis sightseeing in London. Only Suzie could combine our families meeting up by throwing in a couple of students for good measure. 🤣

It’s all been said 💛. Love you Suzie and thanks for just being you x x x Elizabeth

Friends of 45 years together. Sudz- you are a big gap in our lives. We will always love you. Xxxx

We miss our dear friend ‘Sudz’. She was a ray of light in our lives ever since we met in May 1975 to start our nursing training at Westminster Hospital in London. She had just left her family in Rhodesia as it was known then and was starting a completely new life here in England. She was my best friend when I met my husband Pete and we shared a flat together in Pimlico for a while before Pete and I moved in together and got married. We will never forget you dear friend- you have been an inspiration to us all. With love to all the family.xxx

Twelve years ago in Cape Town I first met John Bashall, followed quite soon after by Nick Bashall, and then I was introduced to Suzie and the rest of the wonderful extended family on a trip back to Godalming at a marvellous Sunday lunch at Crossways, wandering up the lane afterwards to work off the enormous calories eaten and embibed - bubbles of course. Visits to Cape Town; a hugely memorable road trip to a game park, onto Thiesen Island and Plettenberg Bay with Suzie and Nick, laughing, nattering and always singing Hallelujah before we said goodnight. A very special wedding in Cape Town for Tim and Susie, with Suzie, Alex and Harriet, Nick and Oscar staying with me, often up late into the night with chats and music, and mostly laughter. Tea at the Vineyard Hotel with Suzie and Dorothy, lunches with Tim, chilly picnics on Lions Head at sunset with bubbles and beanies on our heads or smart sunset cocktails at the Twelve Apostles, there was always an adventure to be had when Suzie was in town. I still have your floppy sunhat, which I will wear with very happy memories! On my annual visits back to England, my favourite days were spent at Crossways with Suzie and as many family members as possible, and crack open, yes, you’ve guessed it, yet more bubbles! Her inclusion and utter acceptance of the love of my life into her ever extending family showed her extraordinary love of, and kindness to, people. Fish and chip quiz night auctions, barbeques, selfies, bubbles, infectious giggles and flowers everywhere both in her house and her beautiful garden. Suzie was that very rare and special wise friend, who made you laugh, handed you a tissue when required, would give you advice, or occasionally remain silent if it was absolutely necessary, always upbeat, and determinedly brave and strong. When you received a hug from Suzie you knew it was full of love. She was the best of friends to so many people. I count myself very lucky that I was one of them. Thank you for the memories Darling Suzie. I will miss you deeply. Hamba Kahle. xx PS: As I type this, a fish eagle has just flown overhead with its call of Africa - a fitting tribute to your African roots.

Rosanne Larsen: My outstanding memory of my cousin, Suzanne, was when I was very small, maybe less than 5 years old. She was my very big and amazing girl cousin - a teenager at that time. We were living in Lourenco Marques (Maputo), Mozambique, and Suzanne was leaving on a train. I remember her climbing onto the train and then turning to me and pulling off all the bangles on her arm and giving them to me. Those were very special bangles to me - too big, but given by my big cousin! I don't think she changed much from then. I have a text message on my phone that I will keep as my last contact with her. Jennifer (and Peter) Spence: the one special memory I have of Suzanne is from our Mozambique days. The Bashalls would come to LM for a family Christmas. To get away from all the boys, Suzanne liked to spend time with us, and enjoyed doing some dressmaking, and using my sewing machine. We visited the Mackie home on several occasions on trips to the UK. There was always a good lunch, and a walk in the countryside afterwards. The photo below was taken in Mozambique around that time.

Here is a photo and caption from Lynn Tinker: Guess who Christopher was laughing at? Suzie who hosted a birthday party for him just before we left Oman. She was doing a puppet show! It was brilliant.

Here is a photo from Lynn Tinker: Suzie and Anthony on her 31st birthday