She was born and in the Free State on October 31, 1910, and eventually moved to Petit, in 1940, with her husband, Petrus (Pet) Pienaar, who died in 1996, at 85 years old, for better job opportunities.
She has raised four children who have inherited her longevity.
Her children are Peet Pienaar (81 years old), Willem Pienaar (78 years old), Abel Pienaar (69 years old) and her daughter, Bettie Rust, who is 66 years old.
She has 93 great-great-grandchildren, great-grandchildren and grandchildren.
Hester started working when she was 16 years old, as a housekeeper for her school teacher.
While she was still living in the Free State, she was highly business-minded and owned a water-cart which she used to sell tea and water to mine workers.
The former Northmead resident is also an avid builder and was responsible for demolishing a house on First Avenue, in 1963, all by herself.
Hester holds a championship title as the oldest Sudoku word challenge winner in the Klerksdorp Record.
Her family have only wonderful memories of life with her and appreciate that she has been with them for so long.
“I feel very lucky to have her in my life, because she is very dear to me and has taught me a number of things,” said Willem.
Bettie, who is Hester’s only daughter, said she has always been close to her mother and has taken a pledge to always take care of her.
Her secret to a long life includes living clean and keeping active.
In her spare time you will find her gardening, playing Sudoku, reading her Huisgenoot magazine or enjoying her tot of whisky or sherry.
She now lives with her daughter in the North West.
Gwen Pharoah, Hester’s grandchild, is amazed that her grandmother still does not suffer from any illnesses.
“She can still read and watch TV without glasses at her age — she sees everything,” Gwen said.
Hester still has fond memories of her younger years and often shares them with her family.
“I still wonder at how much has changed over the years — especially with technology, we used candles when I was growing up,” said Hester.
Her doctor jokes that her heart is so strong that her next visit will probably be in 20 years’ time.
Hester can’t swim or ride a bicycle and, unfortunately, she can no longer build, but she promises that she will definitely guide anyone who wants to learn how to do so.
