East woman surprised with 80th birthday drive-by party
“I was so overwhelmed with joy and happiness by the way the street and community surprised me on my 80th birthday, especially since I could not spend this day with my friends and family,” said Botha.
Garsfontein residents surprised an elderly woman with a drive-by party for her 80th birthday.
The group drove past, shouting birthday wishes and blessings and spoiled her with special gifts in abundance.
“I was so overwhelmed with joy and happiness by the way the street and community surprised me on my 80th birthday, especially since I could not spend this day with my friends and family,” said Ouma Marie Botha.
Botha was born on 19 July 1940, in Lady Smith, KwaZulu-Natal.
“I was the only daughter with two brothers. I was the centre of attention in the house.
“I completed my teaching diploma and became a teacher in Pretoria. I was a very active, passionate and responsible teacher and a community member,” she said.
Botha said as a teacher she participated and enjoyed coaching netball, athletics and drama.
Her best achievement in life, according to Botha, was giving birth to four children while still fulfilling her passion and responsibilities as a teacher and a community member.
“I was blessed with two daughters and two sons from my first marriage of 22 years,” she said.
She said she always aimed at being an active member of the Dutch Reformed Church.
After she retired, Botha became more interested in gardening and still enjoys sewing.
“I enjoy reading a lot from newspapers and magazine articles, fiction and even small ads delivered at my gate. I have a wide interest in what is happening in the world and enjoy watching reality programmes and the Discovery channel on television,” she said.
“I grasp every opportunity to participate in community activities, especially church projects.”
She moved to Garsfontein in 2004, after the passing of her husband.
Botha is a very active member in the east of Pretoria community.
“It remains important to me to stay informed of what is happening in the Garsfontein community. I should know everything that happens around me.
“I am an active member in our street community and thoroughly enjoy knowing the neighbours and their families. I value positive relationships with everyone in our community,” said Botha.
She has high regard for the work GarsCom (community group at Garsfontein) does for the community, creating opportunities for all people to work together in a positive way.
“Even during lockdown, GarsCom worked tirelessly to always make sure that the residents felt safe and protected at all times.”
She thanked the group who made an effort to make her birthday extra special during lockdown.
“I did not spend my 80th birthday how I planned because of the national lockdown but I am so excited that my community family took their time to surprise me with a drive-by birthday party,” said Botha.
“I, therefore, wish to express my deepest appreciation to everyone who participated in making this day such a joyous occasion.
“Turning a healthy 80 is such a blessing, I hope everyone can live to experience 80+ years,” said Botha.
Garsfontein Community Network (GCN) group member Nicolette Prinsloo described Botha as a very active, passionate and a loving person.
“As a community, we saw a need to thank her for the good person that she is. We planned a surprise birthday party to show our appreciation for the past 15 years she has lived in our community.
“It is the small things one does that can still make a big difference in someone’s life especially during these difficult times,” said Prinsloo.
She said almost everybody in the community participated in the birthday drive-by.
“Enthusiastic cyclists, her security company, people walking with their dogs, residents in their vehicles and neighbours came to wish her a happy birthday,” she said.
Prinsloo said since lockdown, one had to think out of the box on celebrating special occasions by adhering to the Covid-19 regulations and staying safe at the same time.
“As a very close, involved and caring community we thank all residents who participated in the drive-by birthday party of one of our very own residents,” she said.
READ MORE: North grandfather celebrates 100th birthday under lockdown
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