Ms Minnie Sterling, an Elphin Lodge resident, celebrated her birthday in style when she turned 100 on January 25.
Ms Sterling has been a resident of the Rand Aid Association retirement village for 15 years.
Born in 1916 in Johannesburg, she spent her childhood in Harrismith with her parents and two brothers.
She matriculated in 1933 and six years later married Mr Louis Sterling. They lived in Brakpan for 17 years, before moving to Klerksdorp in 1956.
The town became their home for the next 44 years.
Ms Sterling had a busy life, raising children, working, playing tennis, bowls and bridge, attending International Toastmistress Club meetings and yoga classes.
She took part in yoga regularly until the age of 95 and she firmly believes the benefits of yoga have contributed to her longevity.
She has three daughters, six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
In 1992, after 53 years of marriage, her husband died after a long illness. Eight years later, in 2000, she wanted to be closer to her family so she moved into Elphin Lodge, where she still lives independently.
“She has had 15 happy years here, with wonderful neighbours and friends.
“My mother still plays bridge and attends art classes,” said her daughter, Ms Sandra Sterling.
“She thinks that Elphin Lodge is a good place to stay and she appreciates all the good things that Ms Helen Petrie, the Elphin Lodge Complex Manager and her team, do. She is still active and well informed, and she believes that good health and exercise are vital components of a well-managed life,” said Ms Sterling.
