Bedfordview resident marks 105th birthday with royal surprise
As a resident of the care centre for 10 years, Irene has lived through a century of extraordinary change
Ron Smith Care Centre resident Irene Watson celebrated her 105th birthday on September 8 surrounded by her daughter, fellow care centre residents and staff.
Her milestone birthday came with a very special surprise: a birthday card from the King and Queen of England.
As a care centre resident for 10 years, Watson has lived through a century of extraordinary change.
Born in Darlington, England, Watson worked in the accounts department at Binns Department Store before marrying Reg Watson.
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The couple had two children, Trevor and Fiona, and emigrated to southern Zimbabwe in 1957, settling in Bulawayo.
In 1982, Watson and Reg moved to South Africa to be closer to their children.
They eventually settled at Tarentaal Retirement Village, where they were among the village’s first residents.
An avid reader and crossword enthusiast, Watson was also a member of the Toastmistress’s Club in Kempton Park.
She lived independently in her Tarentaal home until 2016, when she moved to the Ron Smith Care Centre.
