Suburban
Peter Tanyanyiwa Suburban Reporter
THE Borrowdale Ratepayers and Residents Association (BRRA) has bid farewell to their longest serving and oldest member Ms Jo Ann Ross who retires from active membership at 85.
She has been in the committee for over 20 years and has been a Borrowdale resident for 42 years.
The BRRA organised a surprise farewell luncheon for her last Saturday in Borrowdale and it was indeed a day to remember for the body and Ms Ross.
There was so much joy and celebration for a life that has been committed to community service.
Until last year’s annual general meeting (AGM), Ms Ross was the secretary for the BRRA executive committee and she acquitted herself exceptionally well.
In an interview, BRRA chairperson Mr Robert Mutyasira said Ms Ross was their pillar of institutional memory as she had clear knowledge of their ward and mandate. He said their committees will not be the same without her.
“She arranged and coordinated all our meetings and events over the years. Her agility and appetite for order certainly defied her age. There is not a single meeting that went without minutes. She really was our pillar of institutional memory as she had clear knowledge of our ward, was well connected and knew exactly which doors to knock on for things to get done,” he said.
Ms Jo Ann Ross with BRRA chairperson Mr Robert Mutyasira.
Mr Mutyasira commended Ms Ross for the way she conducted herself while handling BRRA business as she displayed an exceptional personality.
“She opened many doors for most members and was overly kind to all. Her home was open to all and was the official domicile of the BRRA. Our executive committee is not going to be the same without her and the gap is not going to be easy to cover,” said Mr Mutyasira.
In her remarks, Ms Ross assured the gathered members that she will keep supporting BRRA but has relinquished the heavier responsibilities.
Many said her remarks came as a relief as they still needed her guidance and mentorship in carrying forward the work of BRRA.
