- Beloved special development teacher dies suddenly
A much-loved special development teacher has died suddenly, leaving a Victorian school community reeling and her heartbroken children scrambling to bring her remains home.
Mercy Linda Kaphamentengo Makuwira passed suddenly on Tuesday after years of service at the Dandenong Valley Special Development School.
Her daughters Gladys, 28, and Patience, 30, said the five surviving children were ‘heartbroken’.
‘Mum was a remarkable woman who faced life’s challenges with resilience, grace, and boundless love,’ they said.
‘Even though mum faced a difficult last couple of years following a workplace injury, she remained the bright, funny, and caring mother who raised us.
‘She loved dancing to music on Sundays mornings as she cleaned, she loved bringing home random plants, cooking appliances and cushions.
‘She was an amazing cook and always found joy cooking and feeding others.
‘Her care for others extended beyond our family. She was passionate about her work as a special development teacher, being a positive impact to the lives of the children and families living with disabilities.’
The children are now trying to send her remains to lay beside her siblings in Ms Makuwira’s home town, Chimbiya, Malawi.
