Lucy Chivayo's family members gathered at Glenforest Memorial Park in Harare for her burial, along with her husband Wicknell Chivhayo. The service was conducted in a sombre atmosphere, with mourners dressed in white standing around the graveside among floral tributes. A eulogy delivered by one of Lucy's sisters left the crowd visibly shaken, recounting the final days Lucy spent with her family. The sister described how Lucy had been unusually persistent about organising a family sleepover just one week before she passed away.
According to Lucy's sister, Lucy had called on a Friday, pushing for a family sleepover now that the children were on school holidays. The family had other plans, but Lucy kept offering alternatives, eventually insisting they settle on Sunday. When the afternoon passed with no confirmation and the family considered cancelling, a message arrived from Lucy, expressing her disappointment. They packed up and arrived at six in the evening to find that she had already prepared everything for them.
During the sleepover, Lucy encouraged the family to extend their stay and make more of the time together. It was on that Tuesday that her sister said Lucy's true nature came through most clearly. Lucy began going through her cupboards, telling the family she did not keep enough clothes at her Johannesburg home but wanted to give something to the girls. She handed over tracksuits and then continued searching for more.
In a heart-wrenching moment, Lucy stripped off the shirt she was wearing to give to a loved one, leaving her family with a lasting memory of her generosity. Her sister recalled this moment, saying it was a testament to Lucy's love. The family had been in mourning for several days before Thursday's burial, with the couple's caskets previously lying in state at Sir Wicknell Chivayo's Borrowdale mansion.
Lucy's sister tearfully revealed that her sister's last message via phone was: "On our way." The Chivayo family had been receiving condolences, and African heads of state and dignitaries had been invited to the burial. The bodies were expected to lie in state overnight before a Thursday ceremony at Glenforest cemetery, where the family urged mourners to gather in peace and avoid chaos.
Another sister delivered a heartbreaking eulogy, saying that every time she sees a certain bunny, she needs to have something to show him, highlighting Lucy's love. The sister concluded her tribute by saying Lucy was special and that they would miss her. The Chivayo family is survived by their children, grandchildren, and extended family.
The burial was attended by many, with some mourners moved to tears by the eulogies. The event was broadcast live by ZBC News and captured via Facebook from Gletwin-Harare. Lucy's generosity and love for her family have left a lasting impact on those who knew her.
Key points
- Lucy Chivayo's sister revealed that Lucy had been persistent about organising a family sleepover just one week before her death.
- During the sleepover, Lucy gave away her belongings, including stripping off her shirt to give to a loved one.
- Lucy's last message via phone was: "On our way."
