Wentworth celebrates centenarian’s life
"We are here not to witness history but 'herstory'."
A LOT of knowledge and wisdom can be gathered in 100 years and not many people could live to such a grand age to tell the tale.
But for Wentworth’s Florence ‘Peggy’ Oldham, her tale continues as she celebrates 100 years of life on Wednesday, 7 September
Surrounded by friends and family, a special birthday party was held for the centenarian at the Assegai Methodist Church. As Peggy’s closest friend, Enid Fourie said: ” It is an honour to celebrate and witness the 100th birthday of my dear friend.”
Born in Lusikisiki, Pondoland on 7 September 1916, Aunty Peggy as she is lovingly known, lived in the time when South Africa icon, Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 and a time when the world was given a new outlook thanks to Albert Einstein’s published Relativity Theory in 1916. She lived through both world wars, the scourge of apartheid and in a time when one-minute silent movies were popular.
Before racial segregation, Peggy and her family lived in Umkomaas before they relocated to the ‘coloured area’ of Wentworth. In 1948, Peggy married Walter Oldham and the couple had their first child, Corrine Shirley in 1948. Three other children followed throughout the 50s.
Peggy grew up to be a humble and caring person, her personality drew her into helping people and for many years was a member of the St John’s Ambulance Foundation, where she tended the injured. “I vividly remember being introduced to Peggy and her sister Violet 38 years ago. They have played a meaningful role in our lives. Peggy permeates this beautiful fragrance of her nature. She is a beautiful soul and always reminds us to appreciate the beauties of life,” said Fourie.
The Oldhams were faithful churchgoers and have been part of the Assegai Methodist Church for many years. Husband Walter was a minister and Peggy was part of the Women’s Auxillary. Reverend Lumka Sigaba said God has given Peggy the gift of life to live for 100 years. “We are here not to witness history but ‘herstory’,” she added.
Many friends and family describe Peggy as kind, patient and humble. Bettie Frankson, neighbour and longtime friend said that Peggy has a beautiful temperant.
Turning 100 seemed not to faze Peggy, as she is known to continue hobbies such as baking, cooking and gardening as well as being an active member of the church.
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