IT is with great sadness that we have received news of the death, in Durban, South Africa, of Mrs. Gabrielle Hoarau aged 87. She passed away peacefully at 6:10 pm on Saturday, 24 May 2008 surrounded in her final moments by five of her six surviving children, her sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gabrielle Larue was born in humble circumstances in Praslin on 15 August 1920. In January 1944, she married Chanel Hoarau and together they successfully raised a family of seven children. An ambitious lady determined to rise above her humble station in life, Gabrielle trained as a teacher. Through sheer determination to succeed and hard work, she progressed steadily to become a legendary well respected member of the educational establishment in Seychelles. After teaching in various primary schools in Praslin and Mahe, she became Deputy Head teacher at the prestigious Seychelles College Primary for boys until her retirement in 1977. A firm disciplinarian, Mrs. Hoarau insisted on nothing but the best results from her charges and did not tolerate mediocrity and under achievement. Her ambition was infectious and she instilled it in all the children whose young lives she touched. She could proudly look back at the vast number of successful young Seychellois now well qualified professionals, holding responsible positions in society, a lasting testimony to her dedication and hard work.
Following her retirement, she and her husband Chanel moved to Durban in South Africa. She was a remarkable lady who will be sadly missed by her family and all who knew her."