Corlia Booysen from Meyersdal, first became involved with Stepping Stone Hospice in February last year when she arranged a golf day in aid of the newly established hospice. Though she leads an extremely busy life, being married to businessman Rean Booysen and mother to three highly successful daughters, Corlia continued to make time to stay connected to hospice.
“I witnessed the passion and commitment with which the hospice was started and I would like to see it grow and reach even more people than it currently does,” she says.

Certain issues are very close to her heart, she says, one of which is education – Corlia was one of the founder members of Leeuwenhof Akademie in Bedfordview and served on their board of directors for many years. From 1982 to 1988 she worked full time at the SABC in various positions, from News Desk for the then Springbok Radio to Radio Marketing. Falling pregnant with her second child led to a break in her career, but she quickly picked it up again and started doing freelance production and writing work.
Corlia’s other passions include writing, she published the .A-Z Guide for Domestic Helpers in 1994, and arts and drama. She received her Licence in Speech and Drama studying at Milla Louw’s Academy for Drama.

Though she loves travelling and exploring new places, Corlia admits that she is at her happiest in her home surrounded with her family. Born and bred in Alberton, she has always treasured the town and its well-being. “I’m still good friends with a number of my school friends, we stay in touch and enjoy sharing memories of “those days.”

The pain of losing her mom, Ella Smit, recently, is still clearly visible. “I inherited my passion for music from my mom, she had a beautiful voice and was often invited to sing at functions.” Her father, owner of the then CA Smit Transport Company, passed away a few years ago.

When she has a bit of spare time, Corlia enjoys a game of golf and developing her writing skills. “I have hundreds of unfinished novels in my head, maybe the time is now to start putting pen to paper,” she laughingly explains.

As far as being the patron for Stepping Stone Hospice is concerned, Corlia has already started with some planning to get the word out and to organize some very exciting fundraising events. “I am one hundred percent determined to honour my commitment to hospice and through my involvement, help them to help others.”