THE Windermere Centre in Morningside honoured its promise to long-time patron, 100-year-old Wilmur Dyer, and hosted a high-tea celebration on Tuesday to mark her milestone.

The centenarian, who was born on August 9, 1925, celebrated with her friends and family, among them her eldest daughter, 74-year-old Barbara Engelbrecht, and her youngest 70-year-old Philippa Dyer Vally. At a table full of well-wishers and loved ones, Dyer, who was flanked by her daughters, said she was grateful to be 100 years old.

“When I turned 60, 80 and 90, I never thought much of it and went along with it, but this one feels different. I love being 100,” said Dyer. “On Saturday, which was my birthday, we had lunch and there were 32 Dyers there, different generations, and my three children were together for the first time in 10 years. So it was worth turning a 100. I never thought that I would reach this age.”

Dyer was born in Pietermaritzburg to Murial and Wilfred Nisbett, who took the first three letters from both their names and ended up with Wilmur. She married Ken Dyer, a Durban plastic surgeon, in 1948, just when apartheid came into being, and momentarily became a Black Sash supporter. They have three children Robin, 76, Barbi and Pippa. Robin followed in his father’s footsteps and became a cardiologist in Durban, Barbi is an artist who lives in Ireland, and Pippa is a humanitarian and filmmaker in Johannesburg.

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She worked in newspapers, became a model, opened a Charm School, was the first female auctioneer in Durban, and later became an estate agent for many years. Recalling her day as a pioneer in the world of auctions, Dyer said, “It was an exciting time for me. They were short of someone and they offered me the opportunity and that is how it all started. I loved doing the auctioning and eventually became an auctioneer. I retired from it at the age of 82, it was enough by then, but I had a lovely time.”

Her proud daughter Pippa said her mother has always been a pioneer, paving the way for women. “My mother is a stalwart who stood up against injustice. It’s so appropriate that she was born on Women’s Day,” said Dyer Vally.

“I’ve known her for 70 years,” she laughed. “In all those years, she has been amazing and vibrant. She is full of life and has always run the most beautiful house. We were never wealthy, but she would refurbish antique furniture and items, which always amazed me. One thing that I love about my mom is that she is always there. Even when we were little, she was always there to welcome us back from school.”

Dyer’s oldest daughter concurred, and remembered her mom as being stylish. “My mother and father were stylish and loved socialising. She’s been like that all her life, my kids take after her. She is an amazing woman who has done a lot for others and deserves to be celebrated in such a way. We love you mom,” said Engelbrecht.

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