Sonia Raupach, 1928-2023

My grandmother Sonia died on June 21, 2023. She was 94.

Sonia was born in South Africa and moved to Australia in 1960. I have thought often about how terrifying it must have been to move halfway around the world, with two young kids, to a new city in a strange country, at that time when distances were so much greater than today. Then, there was no redeye to Joburg, or video chat, or social media to keep a sense of connection. My grandmother was brave.

The reason for moving away from South Africa was the horror of apartheid. Sonia had a strong moral compass and worked hard against injustice. In Adelaide she was a teacher at a time when she had to fight for her working rights as a woman. She spoke out on human rights issues and was active with Amnesty International for decades. She was just.

For much of her life, Sonia had health problems that caused pain. But she was the ultimate stoic - grateful for her time despite the pain, and only rarely letting on that she suffered. She was very strong.

For as long as I can remember our family would make the journey across the hot, flat Hay Plains to Adelaide each year, and my grandparents would also come to Canberra to visit. These weeks together were special times. Granny had an impish wit and a twinkle in her eye. I remember her constantly learning: reading, learning to type on a braille machine, adapting to email, and later marvelling at an iPad which became a favourite way to keep in touch and see pictures of her great grandchildren. Her accidental emoji messages on Instagram are legendary, and I always enjoyed their arrival because it meant she was watching.

I’m grateful to have had this time with my wonderful, loving, supportive grandmother. I’ll miss her very much.