90 candles for resident who grew up in Northmead
When Maureen was 16, she stood near the old post office once a week with a box, collecting money for the soldiers.
Born and bred Benonian Maureen Walker (nee Knott) turned 90 on June 28 and her family enjoyed a celebration together on July 1.
Maureen was born at their family home at 8 Howard Avenue, in 1933. Her brother is Harry Edwin Knott, who was born in 1942.
Shereen Eliasov, Maureen’s granddaughter said Maureen grew up in Northmead.
“Her parents moved to their home on 8th Avenue when she was two years old and the home is still part of the family today. Gran attended Benoni Junior, St Dunstan’s and Benoni Technical College.
“Her working career included owning and managing Supreme Drycleaners in Harper Avenue in 1966. She then worked as a receptionist at her son, Eric, and husband, Harry’s, auto electrician company in 1988. For many years, she worked for SAA, in the kitchen/ catering department.
“In 1990, Maureen worked for The Methodist Home for the Aged in Fairleads, as a kitchen manager before retiring in 1999, at the age of 60.”
Maureen Knott married Harry Worthington Walker in 1952. They bought a plot in Benoni Agricultural Holdings, at 91 Rennie Road, in 1957. Rennie Road was named after George Rennie, mayor of Benoni in 1913/14.
Maureen and Harry were married for 47 years. Harry died in 1999 from cancer.
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The couple had six children – Ernest, Eric, Linda, Ruby, David and Heather. Harry’s sister, Cleone, died from cancer and so her children, Aelwen (11) and Allan (10) came to live with them.
They had nine granddaughters and four grandsons, four step-grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
“We hosted a wonderful 90th celebration at a venue in Rennie Road, which was extra special since Gran spent most of her life living in Rennie Road. Family who couldn’t attend the event and those living overseas sent in videos.”
Her family attributes her long life to her faith and having a big family to keep her busy.
Some of Maureen’s most cherished memories:
• When the whole family would get together on the plot, for a braai, birthdays, Christmas or Easter.
• When Maureen was 16, she assisted in the war, by standing on the corner, near the old post office, once a week with a box, to collect money for the soldiers.
• She remembers fondly when Queen Elizabeth visited SA for her 21st birthday in 1947. An occasion was held in the Benoni Town Hall.
• Her grandparents owned farms in Putfontein and Petit and Maureen absolutely loved visiting them in the holidays or on weekends.
“We are blessed to still have Maureen with us at 90 years of age. She is such an inspiration. We love her more than words can say,” Shereen concluded.
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