Cecellia Williams, the last of the older generation of flower sellers at the iconic Trafalgar Place flower market, has died at 83.
Image: supplied
It is the end of an era at the iconic flower market in Adderley Street as the last of the older generation of traders died at the age of 83 last week.
Cecellia Williams, fondly known as Hatta, who first walked into Trafalgar Place when she was 16 years old, was laid to rest at St Mary's Catholic Church in her home suburb of Retreat today, April 14, a week after she died due to a ruptured aneurysm.
Her funeral was attended by family and friends as well as customers who she served and got to know over the years.
The flower sellers, described by her daughter, Fadwa Sasman as Cecelia's family, held a memorial for her at the Lightfoot Fountain at Trafalgar Place.
Image: Tamlynne Thompson
On Friday, the flower sellers gathered around a display of pictures of Ms Williams from over the years, between bouquets of flowers at the Lightfoot Fountain, in memory of "the last one standing", as her daughter, Fadwa Sasman, put it.
The flower sellers held candles and sang hymns to honour Ms Williams, an aunt, mother and CBD icon, who had been working alongside them at the market for over six decades.
"This is her family. We worked together every day, " said Ms Sasman.
Sandra Bosman holds a picture and says a prayer for the late Cecellia Williams, who she had spent decades working alongside at the flower market.
Image: Tamlynne Thompson
She said she held a surprise party for her mother's 80th birthday at the flower market, as this was the place she was most at home.
She said Ms Williams was born into the business, and her mother loved it so much, she still stubbornly visited the flower stalls, even after Ms Sasman told her that she should stay at home for health reasons. "She still came here, walking slowly. When no one wanted to pick her up, she would call her personal e-hailing driver who would pick Mama up and bring her here."
Ms Sasman, who lives in Grassy Park, said she grew up with her parents and eight siblings in Retreat. And while she had no words to describe her childhood with her mother, she said she would do it all over again in a heartbeat. "Everyday with her was an episode. She was fun, she joked, she laughed, and she didn't have a care in the world."
Fadwa Sasman lights a candle in memory of her late mother, Cecelia Williams, at the memorial on Friday prepared for her by the flower sellers.
Image: Tamlynne Thompson
Ms Williams memory is deeply rooted at the flower sellers' market, as she was well-known for her beautiful bouquets and flower arrangements, which Ms Sasman said she had taught the flower sellers to do many years back. Ms Williams first learnt the art of flower selling from her mother in-law, the late Ally Williams. "She used to be famous for the little arrangements she made with feathers and plastic dolls that people used as decor in their lounges or bathrooms."
The other flower sellers at the market spoke of Ms Williams' humorous and giving nature, describing her as "full of life".
Ms Williams's niece, Karen Lipari, said she has been at the flower market for 45 years and this started with her working for her aunt. "Hatta (Ms Williams) paid me R30 a day. She used to call me to come help her every day. She was the last of the older generation of flower sellers in the market. She was a legend."
She said her aunt made beautiful bouquets, and was quite the seller. "Sy het 'n mond op haar gehad. She was good at encouraging people to buy more flowers."
Ms Lipari said her aunt was a joyful woman. "She made us laugh - there was never a dull moment with her."
She said Ms Williams used to love to get her hair done, and loved it even more when people complimented her about it. "When it was a good day on the market and she made lots of money, she would walk with a spring in her step - her skirt would dance around her legs. When it was a dry day, she would jokingly walk about with her head down."
A young Cecellia Williams at the flower market in Adderley Street. She first started working at the space when she was 16 years old.
Image: Supplied
Ms Lipari said during her last few days in the market, Ms Williams could hardly walk, but she still visited because she loved the people. "This market was her life. She had a big love for people, especially the street children. She loved to give. She had a good heart."
Another of Ms Williams's nieces, Alison Snyders, said her aunt was "one in a million". "(She was) a God-fearing woman. She was the fun aunt, and she loved drama. She was a very forgiving person and didn't like conflict."
She said one of the valuable lessons her aunt taught her was to always have respect for adults. "We will miss her. She always made light of bad situations."
Millie Bosman said Ms Williams brought her to the market to work there over 30 years ago. "She's the reason I am here. She always helped where she could."
Denneline Small, who had also worked for Ms Williams, said she was a supportive person. "She always gave me advice. She loved the market and the people who worked here."
"Ons gaan haar mis op die mark," said Lala Jacobs, Ms Williams's friend for over 40 years. "I watched all her children grow up in this market. She was a good person."
An emotional Ms Sasman said while the doctors prepared the family for her death, they were not prepared and it happened too quickly. She said most people who came to the market in the past week who looked for her were sad to hear of her death, especially the street people and children, who she had big love for.
"She didn't have much but she always gave. She was the last one standing. We will carry on her legacy."
Ms Williams leaves behind six children, two of who had died, and 26 grandchildren.
Her funeral was live-streamed and can be viewed on YouTube.