Shelter Catherine Makwabarara (14 Aug 1965 - 30 Aug 2019)

Dear friends and family, it is with the deepest regret to inform you that our dearest Shelter Catherine Makwabarara passed away on the 30th of August 2019 after her long struggle from heart illness. She was surrounded by family and loved ones.

Shelter Catherine Sibanda was born on the 14th of August 1965 in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe. She was the first-born child of Clement Nechibvute and Marian Sibanda. A keen scholar and intellectual she attended Makumbi Secondary School gaining her “O” levels later moving to Gokomere High School in Masvingo for high school where she met her future husband Pasi. She then attended the University of Zimbabwe studying Crop Science from 1986 to 1988 during which she gave birth to her first child Farai in October 1987 and her last-born Hazel arrived in April 1991.

Shelter pursued her career and furthered her education in 1999 travelling to the UK to attend Writtle College in Chelmsford where she earned her M.Sc. in Horticulture. Shelter developed a multitude of skills throughout a varied and extensive Technical / QA career, beginning in Fresh Produce and later diversifying into Food Manufacturing through various Interim Technical roles. Shelter was known for her passion for her work and was experienced in building and managing teams, both big and small consistently maintaining a high level of professionalism and enthusiasm. She was a teacher and mentor to many and involved in the field locally working with Morrisons, Booths and Betty’s of Harrogate and internationally including stints in Zambia and the Netherlands.

Throughout her life Shelter maintained her Christian faith, starting from Pentecostal roots. She eventually adopted Methodism and endeared herself to the Southfield Lane church in Bradford. This is where her family and friends will gather to celebrate her life. She was also a lover of music and was known to outlast everyone else on the dance floor. Shelter’s infectious laughter, warmth, genuine love and steadfast principles were all a strong magnet which endeared many hearts to her till these very sad days. It is the coming together of these many blessed hearts during this dark time which is a continuous and illuminating testament of Shelter’s legacy.

Her family have arranged for a day of final send-off events dated 17 September 2019 to be held at South Field Lane Methodist Church in Bradford and her cremation will take place at Park Wood Crematorium ( Elland Road) and a gathering will take place at Dewsbury Town Hall where you can join us for a dance and celebration of an incredible soul and phenomenal woman.