Ron Smith Care Centre (RSCC) resident Marie Roberts recently celebrated her 101st birthday.
The Rand Aid resident celebrated her birthday with family members on August 27.
She was born in De Putten, near Zeerust, in 1922. Marie, who travelled to school on a donkey cart, learned to speak Tswana.
During the Depression in 1932, the family moved to Johannesburg where Marie attended Commercial High School.
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Her first job was at Roistone Motors.
Marie met her husband Lawrence at the local roller rink in Malvern.
“When he came swooping up behind me and whisked me around the rink a few times, I was smitten.
“We married shortly afterwards, when I was 19, and were married for almost 72 wonderful years,” said Marie.
Marie and Lawrence had two sons, William and John, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
She worked for an oil company for 25 years and then raised a second family, including her two young grandchildren who lived with her and Lawrence for 15 years.
Lawrence died in 2013 and Marie still misses him. It was at this time, 10 years ago that Marie moved to RSCC.
“Lawrence and I shared a love of music. I used to play classical and jazz on our baby grand piano, and he used to play the drums in a band. I can sit and listen to music for hours,” said Marie.
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Marie added that her faith is very important to her.
“I have been very blessed to be part of a big, loving family and to have always had sisters to be my friends,” she added.
Magriet Herr said her aunt loves watching the news and sport, wildlife programmes and watching the birds at RSCC’s dam.
“She is an inspiration to all of us and we all love visiting her. She is always lovely company,” said Magriet.
