Ron Smith Care Centre’s resident celebrates her 100th birthday
“People are naturally drawn to mom. She is always interested in their stories and makes people feel noticed and important."
Centenarian, Olive Jew, owes her longevity to her upbeat, positive nature.
This is according to her daughter, Carol-Ann Hallam.
“She is always positive and never complains – such a gift,” said her other daughter Liz Wallis.
Olive became a resident of Rand Aid’s Elphin Lodge Retirement Village in 1997.
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She remained at Elphin Lodge until moving to Ron Smith Care Centre four years ago.
“Mom, and the rest of us, are amazed by this incredible milestone.
“We are eternally grateful to have her in our lives,” said Liz.
Born in Johannesburg in 1924, Olive held several office jobs, the longest being at the Glynnwood Nursing Home.
During her daughters’ primary school years, she was a committed fundraiser for St Dunstan’s College.
Olive has a variety of interests, ranging from art to sewing, bridge, gardening, travelling and entertaining.
She is a talented watercolourist and started the Elphin Lodge Art Club 27 years ago.
Married to Harold, an engineer for 49 years, she spent most of her life in Johannesburg, Benoni and Edenvale.
“She is a constant loving presence and a tremendous mentor in ageing gracefully,” said Carol-Ann.
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“People are naturally drawn to mom. She is always interested in their stories and makes people feel noticed and important,” added Liz.
A birthday lunch for Olive, her family and friends, was held at Liz’s home on February 3.
Giving tribute to their mom, Liz said, “Your wisdom and unceasing patience have been a great inspiration to me in raising my children.
Everything you have taught me over the years epitomises one simple thing – unconditional love.
Thinking back on her childhood, Liz said it was her mom who made fairies a real deal, and who instilled a deep sense of faith and loyalty in Liz.
“I remember the thrill of sitting on your bed and watching you dress for a party; that familiar smell of Elizabeth Arden’s Blue Grass and Oil of Olay.
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“I was sure you were a queen, and you were not allowed to share this secret with us,” said Liz.
She said the excursions to John Orr’s were a special treat.
“The delight of seeing the glamorous mannequins modelling the season’s finest in the tearoom was breathtaking,” said Liz.
She paid homage to the visits to Thrupp’s in Eloff Street, the purchasing of Segal sausages for her grandfather and the stops at Dicks to replenish Granny’s sweetie tin.
“I remember the two of us going to see My Fair Lady at His Majesty’s Theatre. You made me a new outfit, and I had to learn all the words of the songs by heart!”
“My darling Mum, you have the wonderful ability to laugh easily, love unconditionally, and live life for every moment,” said Liz.
Apart from daughters Carol-Ann and Elizabeth, Olive has two sons-in-law, Clive Hallam and Ian Wallis,
grandchildren Rory, Remy, Kellie, Olivia, St John and Kirstin, and great-grandchildren Lily-Rose, Felix and Oliver.
