Former socialite celebrates 100th birthday

ON Tuesday, January 17, Elsbeth ‘Betty’ Lombard celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends and caretakers in a room full of people who love her at the Tafta-owned facility, Cambridge Gardens, in Morningside. Betty was born on January 17, 1923. Elsbeth Marie, affectionately known as ‘Betty’, was welcomed into the world by her parents, Constance and John Freislich. Betty spent her early years in Namaqualand. Her earliest memories were of the Namaqualand daisies and her beloved cats and dogs. Her father was a circuit court magistrate, and the family lived in a number of towns before settling in Pretoria, where she completed her high school education at Pretoria Girls’ High.

Shortly after the Second World War, Betty met the love of her life, Dr Willa Lombard. Willa had recently returned from the frontlines, where he was a physician in forward surgical units. “It was love at first sight. We married in December of 1964,” said Betty. The young couple led an exceedingly busy life, and their company was highly sought after as they often appeared in the society pages of the Pretoria News! In 1965, they welcomed their first child, Warwick, into the world and two years later, their daughter Carole.

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Shortly after its formation in 1955, Betty joined the ‘Woman’s Defence of the Constitution League’, also known as the ‘Black Sash’. “She joined many vigils and demonstrations protesting legislation passed by the government of that day,” says Carole.

Betty describes herself as a devout wife until the passing of her husband Willa on February 2, 1996.

When asked what the secret to a long life is, Betty responded, saying that healthy choices make a big difference. “My mother was a great cook, and she cooked these wonderful, healthy meals. I tried to follow in her footsteps, and I hope my children will one day thank me for that one, because it has really helped me keep healthy.”

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On Tuesday, January 17, Betty was suprised by a room full of people who all showed up to celebrate her 100th birthday at Cambridge Gardens. “I knew nothing about it, and I’m very, very grateful to everyone. I saw many people that I haven’t seen in ages show up just to visit me here today. Everyone has been so lovely.”

Betty remains a loving mother to her children and a devouted grandmother to her grandchildren.

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