Elizabeth Rose MacKenzie | 1928 - 2020 

Elizabeth Rose MacKenzie, also known as Betty, was a keen amateur dramatics actor, who played many roles in various productions around Cape Town and also at Bishops ('Dry Rot' being one production in the early 80s).  She had a natural flair for acting and always received a wonderful review, but she decided to keep it a hobby instead of making it into a career.  She also used to read ‘Woman’s Hour’ on Cape radio.  

Betty loved her time as secretary to Mr Mallett at Bishops Diocesan.  She was a very caring and gracious person and she enjoyed being involved in school life.  

When she wasn’t working or acting in plays, she loved travelling as much as possible. She and her sister, Ann (who sadly passed away in July 2020), would often travel on the Union Castle line to the UK and spend time with their many relatives in Scotland/England or flit around Europe (Greece was her favourite).  Betty, Ann and a few friends once bought a 1950s London cab and drove all around Europe and had many adventures.  

She and her sister, Ann also attended 2 Royal garden parties at Buckingham Palace and were always keen followers of the Royal family.  Betty once helped organise a fund-raising dinner and met Prince Phillip.

She was very adventurous and fun and remained extremely fit and active until her last few years when life slowed down a lot for her.  Despite this, she always had a happy, uncomplaining demeanour and was always happiest with a cup of tea and biscuit or a nice cappuccino, looking out to sea.  

Betty and her sister Ann were keenly involved in the church and a great inspiration for how to grow old without losing any zest for life.  'Age is just a number' was their catchphrase and it is deeply sad to think they are now both gone as they remained young to the end.

- Alexa Mackenzie (niece of Elizabeth)

Betty in yellow, pictured with her sister, Ann Mackenzie, who too sadly passed away in July 2020

Betty served as Secretary to Mr Mallet from 1968 to 1982 and Mr Peak from 1983 to 1984.