Meta Title: Ali – Celebration of Life: A vibrant, loving life that touched many

Summary

This document commemorates the life of Alison Elizabeth Thomson, known to family and friends as Ali, and outlines a memorial service held in January 2026 to honor her memory. The event was framed as a heartfelt celebration of a life marked by energy, generosity, and a deep connection to loved ones. The program notes a service at a church on the morning of 24 January 2026, with a subsequent gathering that included a high tea and a communal celebration at a local estate. The overall message of the day centers on enduring love and the idea that Ali remains part of the lives of those who cared for her, even though she is no longer physically present. (Page: N/A)

Acknowledgments accompany the program, expressing gratitude to those who organized and funded Ali’s Back a Buddy initiative, with special thanks to Sasha Drewett, Kath Straun, and Cathy for their leadership. The gratitude extends to family and friends who supported and contributed to the fundraiser, and to Terence for unwavering assistance during the most challenging period of Ali’s illness. The reflections honor the role Ali played as a mother to her three boys and as a devoted sister and friend who kept people connected through difficult times. (Page: N/A)

The invitation to gather mentions a High Tea at The Village Hall followed by the celebration at Consolata Estate, signaling a dual celebration of Ali’s life and the bonds that sustained her. The memorial also records Ali’s full name, Alison Elizabeth Thomson, along with her birth and death dates, and places, anchoring the remembrance in her life story and the communities that shaped her. (Page: N/A)

Ali’s early life is outlined through her family background. She was the beloved youngest daughter of Derek and Esma Thomson and the youngest sister to James, Angus, Cath, and Judy. Born in Pietermaritzburg in late January 1975, Ali brought joy, laughter, and a spark of mischief to those around her. Her parents nurtured a love of life and exploration, qualities that she carried into adulthood. Even as siblings moved to different continents, the strong familial ties endured, with Ali staying connected and sharing in moments of joy, celebration, and hardship alike. (Page: N/A)

Ali’s schooling spanned Scottsville Primary and Carter High, where she was active in sports—especially hockey—while developing a lifelong passion for canoeing. A pivotal gift in her childhood was a small canoe, christened Sea Breeze, which sparked a sustained love of paddling and adventure that carried through many challenges and accomplishments, including multiple Duzi River races. This early spark helped shape her fearless attitude toward life and exploration. (Page: N/A)

After high school, Ali pursued agricultural studies at Cedara College of Agriculture, earning a diploma and forming a circle of lifelong friends. The college years opened doors to travel and new opportunities, including a milestone birthday trip to the snow-covered mountains of Andorra with Judy, and a memorable swan-themed celebration in Barnes, London. These experiences reflected Ali’s zest for life, social connection, and the pursuit of new horizons. (Page: N/A)

Professionally, Ali’s path was dynamic and shaped by curiosity rather than conformity. She experimented with office work but soon realized that structured desk roles did not suit her. A holiday student research position in agriculture in Cirencester and Cambridge helped her reconnect with cousins and colleagues who shared her interests. It was in London where she met James; they returned to Tzaneen to begin a family, ultimately raising two sons, Angus and Murray. Later, Ali and Terence welcomed a third son, Guy. Her boys were the central motivation and purpose of her life, and she dedicated herself to their growth and well-being while continuing to pursue personal and professional fulfillment. (Page: N/A)

Beyond achievements and roles, Ali’s legacy rests on her capacity for love, courage, and the ability to bring people together. She was a sister, mother, and friend whose presence brightened gatherings, added meaning to adventures, and touched the lives of many. The final year and a half brought serious health challenges, yet Ali faced them with determination, driven by her devotion to her sons and to those who supported her. She passed away on 3 December 2025, her passing marked by a reflection on the words of a poet about silence, ascent, and the enduring strength found in memory. (Page: N/A)

Numerous tributes from family and friends convey the warmth and impact of Ali’s life. A cousin recalls her infectious energy and no-nonsense spirit, while others remember her as smart, funny, and generous—someone who could light up a room and offer comfort during difficult times. The sentiments emphasize Ali’s compassion, resilience, and the lasting impression she left on those who knew her well. (Page: N/A)

Friendships across continents are highlighted in reflections from Fiona Hobday and Ginny Hobday, who remember Ali as a devoted sister and a joyful presence, whose love of dogs and family ties created enduring memories. Other tributes celebrate Ali’s enduring warmth, her thoughtful nature, and the countless ways she supported friends and family through shared memories, late-night conversations, and steadfast encouragement. (Page: N/A)

Further remembrances from Melody Precious, Cath Colman, Louise Jones, James Thomson, Judy Ansermino, Megan Colman, Victoria Ansermino, and Micayla Colman echo the same themes: Ali’s generosity of spirit, her generosity with time and attention, and her influence as a mentor, confidante, and source of strength. Each voice highlights different aspects of Ali’s character—from practical kindness to unwavering loyalty—demonstrating how many lives she touched and how deeply those connections endure. (Page: N/A)

The order of service portion of the program outlines the ceremonial flow: opening remarks, welcome, and notices; an opening hymn; prayers; a Psalm of comfort; the eulogy given by family members; a gospel reading; a message from the clergy; another hymn; prayers for the family; a final blessing; and a closing hymn. The sequence reflects a balanced blend of reflection, faith, and communal support that characterized Ali’s life and the way those around her chose to honor her memory. (Page: N/A)

Tributes from Ali’s sons Angus and Murray underscore the depth of her influence. They express love and gratitude, acknowledge the strength she demonstrated as a parent, and affirm their resolve to carry forward her values and lessons. Their words convey both tenderness and a fierce commitment to honouring her memory through their own lives. (Page: N/A)

Further tributes from Terence and Guy reveal two generations of gratitude and admiration, with references to shared experiences and the ongoing connection they feel with Ali. The messages emphasize the sense that Ali’s legacy lives on in the lives of those who knew her best, through acts of love, perseverance, and the everyday choices that reflect her ideals. (Page: N/A)

The service includes musical and literary tributes, including the familiar refrain Make Me a Channel of Your Peace, which invites listeners to embody compassion, forgiveness, and hope. A sequence of poems and quotations—ranging from reflections on grace and healing to the imagery of a swan and the river of silence—adds texture to the farewell, offering intimate and personal ways for mourners to connect with Ali’s memory. (Page: N/A)

Several closing pieces emphasize the enduring quality of Ali’s influence: a well-known quotation about life and legacy, and a reflection on the idea that what is left behind is measured more by the impact on others than by material monuments. The farewell resonates with gratitude for the time shared and a commitment to carry forward Ali’s light through acts of kindness, resilience, and community support. (Page: N/A)

In sum, the document presents a rich portrait of Ali’s life: a fearless explorer, a loving mother, a steadfast sister, and a friend who could rally people around a shared purpose. The memorial ceremonies and the affectionate tributes from family and friends collectively affirm that, although she is no longer with them physically, her presence continues to shape the lives she touched. (Page: N/A)

Note: The text includes additional elements such as a mirrored gallery and other media references, but the core focus is on Ali’s story, the people she influenced, and the community that gathered to honor her memory. The page numbers for these sections are not provided within the document. (Page: N/A)

Ali - Celebration of life 24 January 2026 - Flipbook by Fleepit