Juliette celebrates centenary milestone
Caister Care Centre resident, Juliette Joseph celebrated her 100th birthday on Tuesday.
THERE was tea, cake and smiles all round when Berea’s Juliette Joseph celebrated her 100th birthday on 14 March surrounded by staff and friends at the Caister Care Centre.
Juliette, who is Lebanese, was born in Kimberley. She married her husband Eli, and had four sons, all of whom now live overseas. She spent her time helping her husband in the store he owned and was also very involved in outreach work through her church.
She also played the piano and organ at church, and was a parishioner at Holy Trinity in Musgrave.
Juliette has many grand-children and great-grandchildren who also live overseas. Her carer, Monica Gaines, who has taken care of Juliette for the past three years, said the centenarian was surrounded by her large Caister family. Juliette has lived at the Care Centre for the past 10 years.
Monica said Juliette had enjoyed playing cards in her younger years, and up until a year ago she had played the piano and sung a lot.
“She still sings sometimes, but her mind is not what it used to be. I think if she had to say what has kept her going for all these years, it would be her love for music and playing the piano,” she said.
Matron Cindy Botma said Juliette had always been a very sweet and polite woman with an easy going personality.
“The only time she fights with us is when we wash her hair or cut her nails, then we’re in trouble!” she said.
Juliette’s hairdresser for the past six years, Doreen Honneysett, said: “Juliette has the nicest manners and is always so kind and sweet. She always says thank you a million times, and is the sweetest lady ever!”
When asked whether Juliette was aware that it was her 100th birthday, Cindy said: “I think she has some idea, and she really loves the fuss! At her 99th birthday last year she told us that next year she would be 1000!”
Juliette was happy to pose for photos and blew out her candles on her birthday cake, ready to enjoy her birthday with the staff and friends in the Care Centre.
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