Celebrating a century
Old People’s Home resident Barbara Ireland Ree has achieved what most people can only dream of:
on February 18 she turned 100 years old.
Her family and friends threw a small birthday party to celebrate this milestone.
“My mother really enjoyed the party, thanks to all her friends and family members who attended,” said Linda Maaske, Barbara’s only child.
“I’m not sure how she feels about turning 100, because, on her 90th birthday, she asked us to buy her a coffin as a present.”
Longevity runs in the family; most of Barbara’s family members lived until over the age of 70.
During her younger years she played a lot of bridge, knitted and read a number of books.
“My mother is not a softie, but she always had sweets in her cupboard for her grandchildren,” said Linda.
Her daughter describes her as a strong, energetic and determined woman.
“She doesn’t put up with nonsense; given the chance she will give anyone a run for their money,” added Linda.
Barbara was born in Leigh, Scotland, in 1914.
She married Andrew and had Linda in 1949.
Andrew died in 1974.
“Before my mother lost her eyesight she was great with numbers; you could give her a list of numbers and she would add them together without using a calculator,” said Linda, adding that when Barbara played bridge she would always be the first to add everything.
Barbara worked as a bookkeeper for a while, but most of the time she was a housewife.
She lived in Brazil for a number of years, moved to Zambia and then immigrated to South Africa, at the age of 60.
Linda got her driver’s licence at the age of 60
She first lived in Boksburg, then moved to Benoni in 2013.
Barbara has three grandsons, Bret, Sean and Rory, and five great-grandchildren.
