Lily Wronsky (daughter of Ludwig Wronsky and Hedwig Neumann) was born 1893 in District of Schweizer Reneke, Transvaal, South Africa., and died 31 Jan 1980 in Potchefstroom, South Africa..
Notes for Lily Wronsky: Lily lived in Klerksdorp almost all her life. She taught at the local primary school for more than 50 years. The local newspaper wrote a special feature on her on the occasion of her 50 years as a teacher at the school. She was engaged to a "Polish Count" who also was an accomplished violinist. Sadly, he died during the Great Influenza epidemic in 1919. Lily's mother, Hedwig, suffered a stroke and came to live with Lily until Hedwig passed away. Lily spent her last years in the Methodist Old Age Home in Potchefstroom. She was cremated and my father put a plaque for her and her mother Hedwig, at the Wall of Remembrance in Klerksdorp.
In a letter that Lily wrote to her cousin Kate Neumann, a copy of which was give to me by Henry and Ilse Gunby (Ilse's mother was Katherine - Kate Neumann) who contacted me recently, Lily wrote :
42 Observatory Road Klerksdorp South Africa 16-5-(19)47
My dear Käte,
With great joy did I receive your air-borne letter, which was only about 10 days in transit. It took me quite a time to read your letter as my German is rather poor. However, you writing is (indecipherable) and it is a good practice for me. So do please write again. You are not a stranger to me, for Mother often spoke about her nieces and nephews. Of course, our Father and Uncle Siegfried always corresponded with us - until the war came.
I am quite au feit with your (indecipherable), as both Aunt Henriette and Mrs Gadsby forwarded me the letters of both your daughters. I was distressed to hear of the cruel time you had. It is best forgotten, if that be a possibility, at all. Mr Churchill always said that “…as we go forward together…”. At this stage let me wish both you and Ilse very great happiness in your new (indecipherable ) and the young ones left behind experience better times in the future.
Hottle’s (?) letter, which you enclosed, is the first and only communication I have had from her, so far. I wonder whether the letters are still in transit or lost. In one of her letters, she mentioned the size of her shoes. Please tell her and send the size again through you so I can send her some shoes. I see she prefers a medium heel, which I shall try to get, when I hear from her about this matter.
I am delighted to hear that she received 2 packages. This encouraging news is an incentive for me to send more parcels.
George Kerby’s address is Box 477, Windhoek, South West Africa. He sent me £4 to send on to our needy relatives. I bought 2 dress lengths of washing material and 2 petti-coat lengths with this money. I thought of sending these to Hottel,(?) when I am convinced that the parcels are reaching their destination.
Last week, I had a wedding card from George’s daughter Helen. She is to be married on 24/5/47 at Windhoek. She is named after our Grandmother, Helena Neumann. George’s wife died about 5 years ago. He is still Town Clerk there, and he retained his position because of shortage of man power. He reached the pensionable age (60) some years ago. He knows you well from your student days and says you were a pretty girl. He has 2 brothers in America, a heart specialist and Paul, the musician, who has diabetes.
I am due to go on pension (55) in March 1948 but understand that my services will be extended until December 1948. This will suit my purse, after that I’m afraid I cannot carry on. Mother’s illness was very long and very tiring. I have never regained my strength although she passed away 5 years ago. It was a tragedy to see her paralyzed for 51/2 years. Yes, Aunt H is truly a wonderful woman. The table centers and chair back covers which she made for me recently are a work of art. They are of cobweb appearance and without flaws. Her eyesight, as well as her brain, must be very keen.
I have had for perusal the snaps of (indecipherable) 2 girls in the garden and one of Hottel (?) and “her husband”. These belonged to Mrs Gadsby. The snap Aunt ”H” sent of you (indecipherable) in Brazil. This is a pity.
Somewhere, I must have old snaps of Mother’s people in Berlin. I think you might like them since you know the folks personally. Let me know and I shall send them for I expect you lost all your personal items. I won’t (indecipherable) letter to Liselottle (?) so will end.
With affectionate greetings for both of you from
Lily Wronsky.
Note from transcriber (Denise Barnard):
Lily Wronsky and Käte Neumann were 1st cousins, Lily’s mother, Hedwig Neumann and Käte’s father, Max Neumann were siblings.
Miss Lily Wronsky (b. 1893, d. 31 Jan 1980)
Notes for Lily Wronsky: