Fighting spirit takes Daphne to 90th birthday

FEISTY, Daphney Cowey can be described in one word … survivor! The nonagenarian turned 90 this month and celebrated her milestone birthday with close friends and family at Essenwood Residential Home which has been her home for almost a decade.

Chatting to Berea Mail after her birthday celebrations, Cowey described the day, almost 10 years ago, that she had first visited the home to check it out. “I came to see the place, parked and closed my door and was crossing the road when this car shot the robot and hit me. I went flying through the air, bounced on the car and landed on the cement and smashed my leg,” she recalled.

The traumatic freak accident did not get Cowey down and the resilient then 80-year-old refused to let doctors amputate her leg. After spending two years in rehabilitation, she was able to walk again with the assistance of her walker and returned to the home to live. “I’m blessed and so lucky to be alive and have both my legs.”

Cowey said the trick to longevity is keeping your mind active. “I crochet, knit beanies and teddy bears which are donated to AIDS babies. I still enjoy going to church,” she added. In her heyday, Cowey was a noted dressmaker and worked at a material shop in Westville. She was also an active member of the Women’s Association and an amazing floral arranger and demonstrator of the Highway Floral Art Club. “My dad was a keen gardener, and flowers have always been a big part of my life so I’m so blessed to have so many bouquets today,” she said referring to her birthday bouquets.

Cowey’s daughter, Glenalee Jackson said her mother had always been very supportive. “She is brave and wasn’t afraid to let us spread our wings and go overseas. She always supported us and kept the home fires burning when we returned.”

Another special person who shared the day with Cowey was her “adopted” daughter Louise Burgess. “We met when I moved in next door to Daphne 20 years ago and she soon became a mother to me with her friendly caring nature. She would bake our favourite treats and my daughter Geraldene would help. Now I bake her favourite short read and date balls for her when I come to visit. She has been more a mum to be because my mother lives far away. She has a sympathetic ear and will listen and give motherly advice,” said Burgess who regularly visits her old friend.

The only complication for Cowey was trying to sms with the cellphone her sister from Zambia sent her. However, Burgess said the Cowey’s determination would ensure she gets it right soon!