100 years of life for Engela

The daughter of a Highveld Gardens Retirement Lodge resident who turned a 100 years old on 24 May said she feels honoured to have her Mom living this long.

Engela Vermeulen has been a resident at the lodge since September 2010. She is currently placed in frail care. She can partially see and hear and walks with assistance. Her family and friends went to the lodge to celebrate her birthday with her.

“To think that she’s been able to take care of us for so many years and became the pillar of our family is really amazing. She supported all her grandchildren and we are really grateful for her,” said her daughter Genevieve Geekie.

Geekie said her mother has been a Midrand resident since the 60s and was one of the influential people who established the Edcon group of companies. “She opened all Edgars branches in Zimbabwe and Zambia. She also opened 60 stores across South Africa,” added Geekie.

She retired at the age of 77 and started doing work for the Dutch Reformed church. She has two children, eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Matron at the lodge, Yvonne Mohapi said Vermeulen was in high spirits in the morning when they sang her a happy birthday song.

“Today she has been very happy. She got cheerful and excited when we sang for her. We are blessed that she has reached this age and happy to have cared for her until this day,” said Mohapi.

Vermeulen likes to dress smart and always has her light pink lipstick on.