Tributes are pouring in for a much-loved cafe owner and mother-of-two, who locals describe as a “beautiful soul”.
Lizelle Viljoen, who along with her husband TJ Viljoen owns the popular Pasture of Balmoral cafe overlooking Balmoral Family Beach in the north. Sydney suburb of Mosman, died on Monday after succumbing to a bone cancer.
Michela Crispino, general manager of the cafe and the couple’s recently opened second location, Pasture of Kirribilli, also in Sydney’s north, said Viljoen treated her “like a daughter”.
“I’ve known her for six years, since I moved to Australia,” Ms Crispino said.
‘When I moved into the restaurant the first day they opened, she was there with open arms.
‘She was always smiling, she always had kind words for everyone, for all our staff, all our customers, so everyone knew her from the first day we opened.
“She was an angel, she was always calm, she always treated me like another daughter.”
Crispino, better known to locals by her nickname Mika, said messages came in from all over the world from those who had worked at the cafe saying it was “a privilege to work with her”.
Much-loved Sydney cafe owner Lizelle Viljoen has passed away at the age of 54 after a battle with cancer.
“Most of the staff at Balmoral are the same since we opened,” Ms Crispino said.
‘It’s more like a family restaurant. Clients come and ask about her and everyone cries, everyone is sad about the loss. It’s a difficult time for everyone right now.
‘They (the owners) are special to us. They would always be here for us, they always look after all the staff.’
Crispino said Viljoen had been battling cancer for some years.
“He was doing very well until December and then in January he became seriously ill again,” Ms Crispino said.
“She always did everything, always came to the cafe, always with a kind word.”
The Pasture of Balmoral cafe has been in mourning following the death of the much-loved owner.
Mrs. Viljoen’s last hours were spent surrounded by her family.
“She was at peace,” Mrs. Crispino said.
“I saw her on Friday because she asked to see me.
“His first words to me were ‘thank you Mika and please thank you to all the staff at Balmoral and Kirribilli’.”
Viljoen and her husband moved to Australia from the South African city of Johannesburg in 2009.
After working as a teacher at Northern Beaches Christian School in northern Sydney, Ms Viljoen convinced her husband, who was managing director for the Australia-Pacific region of a global company, that it was time for a change of direction. life.
Ms Viljoen came to Australia from South Africa in 2009 and is survived by two adult daughters and twin grandchildren.
“Lizelle was worried that I was burning out in the corporate world,” TJ told Mosman Living in 2019.
“So, after a lot of soul searching, I decided to change things up and we dove headfirst into the equally challenging world of hospitality.”
It was the fulfillment of the dream that the couple had when they first saw Balmoral Beach, where Viljoen saw the cafe on The Esplanade and thought he would like to open something similar.
A decade later, the couple took over the La Repubblica premises.
“We always had a vision of creating a sustainable restaurant that worked with local producers and suppliers,” Viljoen told Beanscene magazine in 2022.
“I think human connection is one of the most important things in life, and hospitality really allows you to create these relationships.”
Pasture of Balmoral issued a statement to mark Ms Viljoen’s passing on social media.
‘“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Lizelle,” the post said.
‘Lizelle was not only a pillar of our restaurant; she was the heart and soul of our community. Her radiant smile, kind words, and genuine warmth touched all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
‘Lizelle’s presence was a ray of light. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued, lighting up any room she entered. Her spirit and her love for her life will continue to inspire us all.
Our hearts are heavy and our thoughts and prayers are with TJ and Lizelle’s entire family during this incredibly difficult time.
‘Lizelle, you will always remain in our hearts and you will be deeply missed by the entire Pasture team and everyone who knew you.’
Cafe regulars expressed their condolences and tributes.
“Sending love and support to TJ and his family during this very difficult time,” one wrote.
“What sad news,” said another.
‘He was such a lovely human being and brought life and light wherever he went. God bless you all.’
‘It breaks my heart to read about that. May God comfort everyone’s hearts at this time. God bless you all, Amen,’ wrote another.
‘I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful soul,” said another comment.
Mrs Viljoen is survived by two adult daughters and also twin grandchildren.