Being born just after the end of World War I, not many people have witnessed global innovations as Irene Watson has experienced.
Born in 1921, Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre resident Irene lived in a time before penicillin, bubble gum, nylon, and aerosol cans were invented.
Irene, who turned 102 on September 8, could say she has also lived through the mass introduction of artificial intelligence applications.
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Despite the many technological breakthroughs unfolding around her, Irene enjoyed an old-fashioned birthday celebration.
On her birthday she enjoyed cake and tea in the company of loved ones, fellow residents and staff.
Born in Darlington, England, over a century ago Irene completed her education at the Catholic Immaculate
Conception School before working at Binns Departmental Store in the accounts department
She married Reg Watson in 1944 and had two children, Trevor and Fiona.
In 1957, the family emigrated to Southern Zimbabwe and settled in Bulawayo.
“These were the best days of their life,” said Irene’s daughter, Fiona Martin.
Fiona said after much consideration, her parents decided to emigrate to South Africa in 1982 to be nearer their children.
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They initially lived in Kempton Park, then moved to Port Elizabeth, before moving into Tarantaal Retirement Village. The couple were among the village’s first residents.
“My mom was an avid reader, loved doing crossword puzzles and joined the Toast Mistress’s Club in Kempton Park.”
Reg died in 2001 and their son Trevor in 2016.
Irene continued to live independently in her Tarantaal home until 2016 when she moved to Ron Smith Care Centre.
“She is given the best care and attention,” said Fiona.
Irene’s daughter-in-law Kate and granddaughter Sarah both live in America, but Fiona lives nearby, in Benoni, and visits Irene regularly.
