Rand Aid’s resident marks her 100th milestone

Years of yoga and helping others is what centenarian Hylda Skutelsky attributes to her longevity.

Hylda celebrated her 100th birthday on May 25.

A resident of Rand Aid’s Thornhill Manor for 22 years, Hylda is the second resident of the retirement village to reach this milestone.

Held on June 1, her birthday celebration was a special day spent with her daughter Jennifer and granddaughter Amber May.

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The duo travelled from the USA to join in the festivities.

Instead of gifts, Hylda requested donations be made to Hatzola Rescue Medics.

Hylda has a sharp wit and loves it when friends and family come to visit.

“Being wheelchair-bound, she does not get out much,” said Jackie Scott, Thornhill Manor’s deputy manager.
Hylda still lives in her home, surrounded by all she holds dear.

She has a carer on hand to provide any assistance she may need.

Born and raised in Johannesburg, Hylda’s life did a complete about-face when she lost her husband and soon after that, her job, 48 years ago.

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At the time the company that she worked for as a personal assistant for 31 years went bankrupt.

“I was devastated after losing my husband and for almost 12 years after I didn’t really live, but merely went through the motions. Then the universe stepped in and I changed career direction.”

Hylda retrained as a therapist and counsellor and spent 21 years working as a Hospice counsellor.

In her early 90s, she continued to assist former clients and friends who needed a shoulder to lean on.

She also continued to do daily yoga, which was but one of her many passions.

Others included bridge, esoterics, reading, meditation and, of course, counselling.

Helping others, being kind, and having family ties all contribute to a person’s well-being, she believes.