Congratulations from the Queen
She sits on the couch, paging through a photo album containing photographs of her big family.
Behind her, on the mantelpiece, is a photograph of Queen Elizabeth II.
It is no ordinary photograph, it is one the queen had sent to Margaret Pipe in recognition of her 100th birthday, which she celebrated on Sunday, September 25.
“I am so pleased to know that you are celebrating your one hundredth birthday on the 25th September, 2016. I send my congratulations and best wishes to you on such a special occasion,” the inside of the letter read.
Margaret’s daughter-in-law, Marian Pipe, said her mother-in-law qualified for the letter as she is a British subject.
Marian applied for the letter, having sent the 100-year-old’s birth certificate and passport to England.
When the letter arrived, Margaret was “absolutely overjoyed”, according to Marian.
“Well, I felt very honoured,” Margaret told the City Times, in the company of family at a celebration for her in Farrarmere.
The centenarian, who has lived in Benoni for decades, moved to South Africa 68 years ago, first staying in Boksburg.
In later years, she moved to Benoni.
She has three children; Malcolm and Jennifer Pipe and Collean Breed.
Her family has grown with her, as she has six grand-children, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
She was married to Robert “Bob” Pipe for 69 years.
Her husband died 10 years ago, aged 92.
When the City Times asked Margaret how she managed to achieve such a great age, she said she largely stayed away from smoking and alcohol.
Apart from that, she cited her “wonderful” family and the Almighty.
Family of the centenarian said she is an accomplished artist.
Malcolm said he is proud of his mother’s longevity.
“She has never had an operation,” he said.
“She still has her own tonsils and appendix.”
Also read:
Getting to know Benoni’s famous ice cream outlet
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