De Klerk, Marike (1937–2001)

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De Klerk, Marike (1937–2001)

South African first lady. Born Marike Willemse, Mar 29, 1937, in South Africa; was stabbed and strangled by a 21-year-old security guard at her waterfront apartment complex in Blaauwberg, just north of Cape Town, Dec 4, 2001; attended Potchefstroom University; m. F.W. de Klerk (president of South Africa), 1959 (div. 1998); children: Jan, Willem and Susan Hillocks.

Led the women's wing of the National Party; was South Africa's first lady (1989–94); married to F.W. de Klerk for 39 years, went through a trying divorce after which husband married his mistress, Elita Giorgiades; battled depression the last years of her life.

See also autobiography, Marike: A Journey Through Summer and Winter.

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De Klerk, Marike (1937–2001)

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