In celebration of her 100th birthday on October 28, Parkrand’s Daphne Lawrance quipped by saying that life is short.

“Maybe not in my case, but it is short,” she said, as she danced to Frank Sinatra’s I Did It My Way.

Speaking about her long and fruitful life, the pint-sized ‘Old Bag,’ as she referred to herself, said: “They say only the wicked live long, I’m not sure if that makes me a hag, but I have only experienced love and joy.”

Daphne’s radiant presence, kindness and quirky personality have, however, gone silent following her death on June 19.

Born in Cape Town, Daphne bore witness to an ever-changing world, but for her, raising her four children, Peter, Brenda, Carol and Thelma, was her most memorable and proudest achievement.

Daphne’s journey to 100 was not always a graceful waltz.
At the age of 65, she was diagnosed with galloping cancer, with doctors warning that she may only have three months to live, but her positive can-do attitude prevailed, carrying her through surgical treatment, adding another 35 years to her colourful life.

In 2005, Daphne endured the heartbreak of losing the family’s patriarch and her dear husband, Jack, with the loss of her son, Peter, and daughter, Carol, following in the years to come.

Anchored by the love and support of her daughters, Brenda Steenkamp and Thelma Prinsloo, Daphne remained resilient in the face of adversity, continuing to play an integral role in the lives of her nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Speaking at her jovial 100th birthday celebration, grandson Elwyn Steenkamp said that ‘granny’ created a lasting legacy.

“Daphne gave us a century of love, laughter and adventure,” he said.

“She taught us unconditional kindness, showed us how to remain resilient despite life’s challenges and unbridled gratitude for the simple things in life.”

Great-granddaughterJade Steenkamp said, “Granny is older than sliced bread and an absolute legend.

“Her life has been absolute magic, not because it was easy but because her strength and unwavering faith guided her.”

Already deep into her 90’s, Daphne set a powerful example of tenacity and physical perseverance at the Boksburg parkrun, completing the 5km course in just over an hour.

As an unstoppable force of nature, Daphne lived independently in her flat at Brenda’s Parkrand property, maintaining an infallible routine which included tending to her beloved garden.

As a frequent visitor to the local shopping complex and restaurants, Daphne was always greeted with endearing smiles and admiration for her graceful demeanour, infectious laughter and radiating kindness.

“We were abundantly blessed to have so much precious time with our mother. More time than what most people are afforded,” said a clearly emotional Brenda.

“She was the best mother anyone could have wished for. Her love was unconditional, and she was an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

“She was a gift to all of us and we are grateful for her every single day. Mom may have been small, but she leaves a vast emptiness.”

ALSO READ: WATCH: Parkrand’s Daphne celebrates her centenary

ALSO READ: Daphne Lawrance celebrates 99 years of love and resilience