Resident of Ron Smith Care Centre celebrates 101st birthday
At the age of 19, during World War Two Ellen married Edmund Quinn, who she met at a rollerskate rink.
Ellen Quinn celebrated her 101st birthday with friends and staff from Ron Smith Care Centre.
The celebration of Ellen’s life was more than a birthday party. It was a testament to her inspiring impact on others and her enduring sense of humour, which continues to bring joy.
Celebrated on April 17, warmth and smiles filled the air of the River Lodge Two wing as staff and fellow residents gathered.
A birthday cake was presented, and Ellen’s ever-present smile lit up the room.
ALSO READ: Ron Smith Care Centre celebrate the month of love
Messages on the WhatsApp group for family members of River Lodge Two residents showed what an inspiration Ellen is with numerous messages congratulating her on her milestone.
Born in Zimbabwe, what was then known as Rhodesia, Ellen and her family moved to a farm near the Tugela River in KwaZulu-Natal when she was five years old.
During World War Two, at the age of 19, Ellen married Edmund Quinn, whom she met at a rollerskating rink.
He was in the air force, serving in North Africa and Europe, while Ellen worked in Johannesburg as a hairdresser.
After the war, the couple started their family. They lived in Edenvale and then Bedfordview before moving to Potchefstroom.
The couple had three sons and were happily married until Edmund died after 47 years of marriage.
ALSO READ: Residents of Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre enjoy Song and dance
Ellen then moved to Rand Aid’s Elphin Lodge retirement village, where she lived for 28 years before moving to Ron Smith Care Centre, situated on the same grounds as Elphin Lodge.
Before moving to Rand Aid, Ellen was the chairperson of the parent-teacher association of Potchefstroom Boys High School and was famous for catering sporting events.
Ellen was also an accomplished gardener who won prizes and loved embroidery and knitting.
