Jeanne celebrates her 99th birthday
The birthday girl celebrated her special day with a family lunch on March 14 and a fun-filled party inside the retirement village’s lapa on March 26.
Jeanne Calitz, the first resident of Pardes Retirement Village in Rynfield, recently celebrated her 99th birthday in style with friends and family.
Jeanne, who was born on March 14, 1922, grew up in England and was a legal secretary most of her life.
The birthday girl moved to Pietermaritzburg when she was about 24 years old. Later on, she lived in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, for approximately 20 years, and then relocated to Benoni to be closer to her family. Jeanne has been living in the village for about 22 years.
While the senior citizen still lived in Pietermaritzburg, she married Pieter Johannes Calitz. The couple was blessed with two daughters (Lourrine van der Berg and Andrea Hundermark), four grandchildren (former City Times journalist Clinton van der Berg, Shaun van der Berg, Paul and Kate Hundermark), five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Jeanne enjoys reading, gardening and playing mahjong. She is also passionate about sports.
Even though she is almost a century old, she is still as fit as a fiddle.
“Despite a few occasional illnesses, I’m still healthy and on the move,” she pointed out.
She said the recipe for a long and successful life is eating healthily, exercising regularly and working hard.
Jeanne’s daughter, Andrea, described her as a hardworking, loyal, helpful person who speaks her mind.
“I know my mom went out of her way to give us what we needed. We were taught how to enjoy life and respect others,” she said.
Jeanne celebrated her special day with a family lunch on March 14 and a fun-filled party inside the retirement village’s lapa on March 26.
Trish Long, Martie Charsley, Angie Maré and Louise West helped to organise the birthday party.
Diana Zwarenstein, chairperson of Pardes Retirement Village, said Jeanne is an example to people.
ALSO READ: Daveyton woman gives back on her birthday
