Anthoinette Rubina Elizabeth van Aarde

Antoinette Rubina Elizabeth van Aardt, went to Rhodesia on a Zeederberg Coach in April 1894 and started the first tea shop in Bulawayo; afterwards she married the well known pioneer, Mr Alexander Graham Hay (Tottie). He was the owner of the Maxim Hotel, Bulawayo. She died on 19th March 1933 aged 61y 6m in Bulawayo. (ZimDN 41/116) and had one daughter - Rubina Elizabeth Jeannette who married Franks. She requested that her gravestone was in the shape of a bird bath.

P. 225 "Experiences of Rhodesia's Pioneer Women,” by Jeannie M. Boggie. On Roll of Women Pioneers.

"Mrs Hay was a great lover of animals, and before her death she requested that her tombstone should be in the form of a bird-bath. Today, during the hot, dry season in Bulawayo, it is interesting to see all sorts and conditions of birds, fluttering and bathing in the bird-bath, amidst the peaceful surroundings of the cemetery."