Tarentaal resident turns 100

Ms Grace Snook, a Tarentaal resident, recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

The birthday party was held on May 18.

At her birthday, she stood unaided before a packed hall and spoke in a loud, distinct voice, with humour and clarity.

“I am pleased and honoured you are all here,” said Ms Snook, before thanking every person and group for their involvement in making her birthday party a reality.

Born in southern Rhodesia in 1915, during WWI, Grace and her late husband Cecil raised their two children in Rhodesia.

They decided to move south to be closer to their daughter, Jill, in 1984.

In June 1988, they were among the first residents of the newly-established Rand Aid Association retirement village, Tarentaal.

27 years later, Ms Snook is still a resident of Tarentaal.

Although she is no longer able to compete in the sports that were so central to her life, she remains an avid armchair supporter.

Ms Tammy Neilson, the complex manager of Tarentaal said, “Ms Snook is an absolutely incredible lady. I wish you 100 kisses, 100 wishes and 100 hugs.”

Ms Snook’s son, Donald said, “My mother always told me that if you are nice to people, they will be nice to you.”

Her son-in-law, Mr Glynn Jones, said Ms Snook loves Tarentaal life, the village residents and is grateful to its active social committee that ensures residents are not short of fun activities to enjoy.