WATCH: Parkrand’s Daphne celebrates her centenary

‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’ Frank Sinatra’s I Did It My Way played in the background when Daphne Lawrance entered the Four Seasons hall at Summer Place function venue in Bartlett just three days before her 100th birthday on October 25.

Flanked by her daughters, Brenda Steenkamp and Thelma Prinsloo, the centenarian waved at family and friends, who gathered to celebrate the auspicious occasion with music and laughter, just as Daphne wanted it.

Born on October 28, 1925, in Cape Town, the pint-sized, ‘Old Bag’ as she refers to herself, bore witness to an ever-changing world.
From wars, economic depressions, the implementation of Apartheid, SA’s entering democracy, as well as a pandemic, Daphne has spent 100 years navigating waves of uncertainty.

However, for her, the most memorable and proudest achievement is raising her four children, Peter, Brenda, Carol and Thelma.
“I am the luckiest old girl to have so many people here to celebrate my birthday,‘ she said as she posed for photos with her 80 guests.
“They say only the wicked live long, I’m not sure if that makes me a hag but today I only feel love.”

Taking the podium, Brenda said that although ‘Granny’ sometimes forgets, her days are full of appreciation.
“With the dawn of a new day, mommy discovers something ‘new’, whether a blouse or a meal that has been whipped up from her recipe book. She is in awe of everything,” said the eldest of three daughters.

“Wherever mom goes, her presence lights up the room, her kindness touches the hearts of many, and her quirky personality draws laughter.”
Composing herself, Brenda said that being able to celebrate this milestone birthday with a devoted wife, mother, granny, great-grandmother, and friend was the greatest honour.

Thelma thanked her mother for not only being warm and nurturing but for being a constant reminder of the purity of a mother’s love.
“You always put our needs before your own, not once complaining about the sacrifices you have made. We are blessed to have you as our mom and to be able to celebrate your life,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of her nine grandchildren, Elwyn Steenkamp, said that the day was a celebration of their dear granny’s legacy.
“Daphne has given us a century of love, laughter and adventure,” he said.
“She taught us unconditional kindness, shown us how to remain resilient despite life’s challenges and unbridled gratitude for the simple things in life.”

Echoing her dad’s sentiments, Jade Steenkamp, the oldest of the matriarch’s 10 great-grandchildren, said: “Granny, you are older than sliced bread and an absolute legend.”
“Your life has been absolute magic, not because it was easy but because your strength guided you.”

Getting to her feet and swaying her hips, Daphne applauded with delight as her late daughter, Carol’s children, grabbed the microphones, singing songs of her youth, including Cliff Richard and Kenny Rogers.
“Oh, I love this song,” she said as she took another twirl on the dancefloor.
“I might die tomorrow, so today seems like a good day to dance.”

Sharing hugs of gratitude with her guests as the day’s festivities drew to a close, Daphne reminded those in attendance: “Life is short, maybe not in my case, but it is short.”
“Don’t waste your days living in the past. Wake up in the morning, make your bed and most importantly be kind to all of God’s creation.”

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