Ouma Moodie celebrates 109 years with loved ones and news team
The Moodie family of Kranshoek celebrated the 109th birthday of their beloved ‘Ouma’ Elizabeth Moodie on Tuesday, September 10, with an SABC news crew right there in her living room to record the auspicious occasion.
Elizabeth Moodie was born in 1910 in Botswana but lived in Olifantshoek just outside Upington for most of her young life. In 1928, at the age of 18, she married Henry Moodie who was then 26 years old.
In 1940 the family moved to Kranshoek. Her husband Henry passed on in 1996, at the age of 91.
Elizabeth was sitting smiling, nibbling on some of the birthday cake and snacks, and having tea with the guests after everyone sang Happy Birthday.
She doesn’t use any medication and has never worn spectacles. She has been healthy all her life and has never been in hospital. She even gave birth to each of her children at home.
Ouma Elizabeth has been a housewife for most of her life and enjoyed cooking, dancing, and telling jokes. She has always been a fun-loving person with a peaceful character.
She has been a very strict mother, her children admit. They shared family photographs with the guests, showing how much fun Ouma had on the beach in Mossel Bay 10 years ago at the age of 98!
Her children are Jacobus, Andrew, Stanley, Elsie, Irene, Ria, Violet, Henry, Alvin, Gail and Linda. She has 47 grandchildren, 94 great-grandchildren and 28 great-great-grandchildren -and she still recognises each one of them.
Ouma does not speak much at the moment, but until recently she still knew them all by name. Now when she sees them, her smile shows her delight.
The Moodie family wishes to thank Sylvia Christian of the St Vincent de Paul charity, Ruby Kisses, and Pick n Pay Market Square for their support of this special day.
Ouma Elizabeth ended her birthday by viewing SABC news that evening, learning that – along with a 115-year-old gentleman in Cape Town – she is recorded as one of the oldest people in our province and most probably in the country.
We are honoured to have her in our midst and wish her the best of health, love and lots of laughter.