SHE WAS FULL OF LOVE

The devastated family of Egoli star Esta TerBlanche share their memories and open up about her final trip to SA

- NADINE RAMONGANE & MARELIZE GRBICH

SHE came back to South Africa every year to visit - it was a sign of how much she valued family and cherished her South African heritage.

Although she'd been living in America for nearly three decades, her heart remained deeply connected to her loved ones back in SA.

But the idea of her moving back for good one day isn't a possibility anymore, because Esta TerBlanche was recently found dead in her home in Los Angeles, California. The South African actress best known for her role as Bienkie Naudé on Egoli: Place of Gold - was 51.

Her family is still battling to come to terms with her sudden death. Esta had just returned to LA after a visit to South Africa in July, during which she'd spent time with her aunt and godmother, Esta Steyn, her father, Leon Snr, and her brother, Leon.

"Leon called me early on Saturday to tell me that little Esta has passed away,"

Esta tells YOU. "The words just didn't sink in. I couldn't believe or understand it." Whenever the actress came to visit, she made it a point to see everyone.

She would arrange a catchup with brother Leon in Citrusdal, visit Esta, after whom she was named, and would spend the final days of her trip with her father in Somerset West.

"It was so nice to have her here. I always looked forward to her visits. I would prepare her favourite dishes - succulent beef tongue and creamy sago pudding.

Those moments were truly special," Esta says.

Their catch-up this past July was nearly thwarted.

While visiting her brother in Citrusdal, a stone struck and shattered the windshield of the rental car Esta was driving. Undeterred, she drove to Cape Town without a windshield to get another rental car, arriving late at her aunt's place.

"I felt so sorry for her, but it was wonderful to see her," Esta recalls.

She never imagined it would be their last visit.

"Everything still feels so unreal.