JOHANNESBURG - An icon and a person who was able to bring creatives together.
These were the words used to describe the late Maria McCloy.
On Wednesday, industry friends, family, and creatives gathered at Joburg Theatre to honour the life of McCloy.
The memorial drew a full house to the theatre, and hundreds gathered to celebrate the life of McCloy.
READ | Celebrated publicist Maria McCloy dies
The service combined remembrance and celebration, with an altar featuring McCloy’s portrait, candles, cultural artifacts and garments on stage.
It was a reflective and respectful atmosphere, marked by a noticeable turnout from members of Johannesburg’s creative sector.
The service underscored McCloy’s impact on the local art and fashion landscape, with many in attendance noting her role in shaping urban culture.
Refilwe Boikanyo only had good things to say about McCloy.
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She was visibly tear-stained as she described McCloy, remembering her as one of the most innovative, generous, and impactful people.
“I met Maria when I just arrived in Joburg with ambitions of being a journalist, and she was like a big sister and mentor to me. I remember her when I went to my first event, when I joined Elle Magazine. She actually gifted me with a vintage dress to congratulate me. It all goes back to how supportive she was,” said Boikanyo.
The same sentiments were echoed by Lerato Legoale and Melanie Bala, who spoke about the last moment they shared with McCloy.
McCloy was a renowned and celebrated DJ, publicist, fashion designer, and one of the most significant creative forces South Africa has produced.
McCloy died on 12 May at the Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg following heart failure.
By Somila Tiwani