Big birthday milestone celebrated for Elphin Lodge resident
“They celebrated many milestones in the village, including 70th, 80th, and 90th birthdays and their 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries."
On the same day that The Walt Disney Company was founded, the 100-year-old Elphin Lodge Resident Joyce Lockhart (née Sheffield) was born.
The day, October 16, also marked the day that John Harwood applied for a patent for his self-winding watch.
Joyce was born in Cape Town in 1923. One hundred years later, Disney is still going strong, smart watches now track fitness and can make phone calls – all while Joyce celebrated her centenary birthday.
Although she has a carer who works five-and-a-half days a week, Joyce lives in her own cottage at the retirement village.
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She remains active in the village church, doing the odd chores when needed.
Elphin Lodge was started by the Rand Aid Association 33 years ago. Joyce and her husband Kenneth Wilson Lockhart moved into the village in 1991.
Although Kenneth died 17 years ago, Joyce still lives in the same home.
Their three daughters Barbara, Pamela and Myrtle held an open house on October 15 for Joyce’s many friends to wish her a happy 100th birthday.
The well-wishers included her sons-in-law, four of her five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and their family members.
Her daughter Barbara said her mom mostly lived in housing estates, like Elphin Lodge, having grown up on Eskom residential developments.
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Her father and later her husband both worked for Eskom.
“Living in such close-knit communities, with regular social interaction and sporting events, Joyce learnt the value of neighbours, kindness and consideration,” said Barbara.
After finishing school in Vereeniging, Joyce worked as a secretary for Stewarts and Lloyds in the town until 1945.
She married Kenneth, who was a mechanical engineer at Klip Power Station.
Barbara fondly shared that as a young wife, her mom could not cook and her dad had to teach her.
“She worked as a full-time mom doing sewing, knitting, cooking and ferrying us around.
“When we got older both our parents served on various school and community committees, which continued when they moved to Elphin when the village was still establishing itself,” said Barbara.
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Before retiring to Elphin Lodge, the couple settled in Kensington. They travelled locally and abroad.
Joyce served as chairperson for the Anglican Women’s Fellowship and was active in the Mothers’ Union.
“They celebrated many milestones in the village, including their 70th, 80th, and 90th birthdays and their 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries.
“Both my parents loved the security offered at Elphin, the lovely location of their cottages and the peace of mind of 24-hour care, should it be needed,” said Barbara.
