Athlone park pianist turns 100-years-old
When Elsie realised her age, she was lost for words. She will celebrate the incredible milestone with her loved ones at a tea party.
Athlone Park resident, Elsie Evelyn Page, will celebrate her 100th birthday on Saturday, 15 May.
The wrinkles on her skin paint a beautiful picture of what her life has been and while it has not been too kind on her, Elsie remains the epitome of what ageing gracefully means. She was born in 1921 to Tom and Liz at Woodstock Private Nursing Home in the Cape. She went to school in Scottsville at Russell Cove High until she was 15-years-old.
Elsie dreamed of being a nurse, but could not study the profession until she turned 17. It was then when she found her other love, music. Elsie worked at a music shop where she played the piano for customers. She has a memory that an elephant would envy since she still remembers every note on the piano and enjoys keeping her family entertained with music. She is an incredibly gifted pianist and organist and played at several churches, dance schools and children’s charity events in Florida and Port Elizabeth. She also played at concerts and as a soloist.
The Athlone Park resident later qualified as a general nurse and midwife at Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg where she trained. She worked in the theatre and then responded to a call to work as a theatre sister at Addington Hospital. Elsie married Dennis Lionel Burne from Verulam after World War II in 1948. The pair was blessed with five children, Barbara, Denise, Charles, and Margaret and Geoffrey, who were twins, but had tragically passed on. She also has seven grandchildren who she adores. Her husband, Dennis, died just before the couple could celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
Elsie enjoyed playing hockey for many years and represented KwaZulu-Natal. She also loved playing a good game of tennis well into her 80s.
“She is incredibly down to earth and takes no nonsense. She has in her way great faith in God even through adverse situations. She kept us all very confident in her love for us,” said her eldest daughter, Denise.
She last played the piano professionally at the Athlone Park Methodist Church where she shared her talents for at least 40 years.
When Elsie realised her age, she was lost for words. She will celebrate the incredible milestone with her loved ones at a tea party. She said she feels incredibly blessed to have had 100 birthdays and sends her love to all of her friends.
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