Kitty (103) bounces back from Covid-19
"It is exceptionally remarkable that someone of her age has survived a pandemic that has ravaged old age homes throughout the world."
After 14 days in isolation, 103-year-old coronavirus survivor Kitty Venn is back in her room at Ron Smith Care Centre.
“It is exceptionally remarkable that someone of her age has survived a pandemic that has ravaged old ages homes throughout the world,” said Dr Christina Eleftheriades, who cared for the centenarian during her time in the care centre’s isolation facility.
Eleftheriades is one of two in-house doctors with practices at the Rand Aid Association-run care centre. She and colleague Dr Carmella Mielke worked tirelessly with Ron Smith Care Centre’s dedicated nursing team to ensure Venn and other residents who contracted the virus received professional yet loving care.
Venn’s daughter, Carol Cunningham, was in Australia when South Africa went into lockdown and is sheltering there until SA’s borders re-open. The news of her mom’s illness left Cunningham feeling extremely anxious, given the distance separating them.
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“Fortunately, the care centre’s Sr Leanie Bessinger contacted us daily to report on mom’s condition, which gave us incredible peace of mind,” said Cunningham.
“Huge thanks must go to Dr Mielke, Dr Eleftheriades and Sr Bessinger and her team who tenderly nursed my mom though this awful virus.
“They made her comfortable, administered her oxygen and nursed her back to health, 24/7.
“Mom has always been a special lady with a heart of gold. She never complains, is kind and loving, generous and compassionate and never demands anything.”
Bessinger added that Venn remained her usual happy self while in isolation.
“On day three, she started to improve and asked for tea with milk. When we did our rounds, she always gave us a big smile,” said Bessinger.
Venn was born Doreen Ruby Mole in Swakopmund, Namibia, on April 5, 1917. She grew up in Pretoria, where her father was a magistrate. After World War II, she married Oliver Venn, an air force pilot, and they raised their four children in Sandringham.
“Mom has 18 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren who love her as much as she loves them,” said Carol.
