Daphne Lawrance celebrates 99 years of love and resilience
Born in 1925, Daphne’s life has been marked by perseverance, love and devotion to her family.
Despite being told at 65 she had at least three months left to live, 34 years on, the now 99 years old Daphne Lawrance of Parkrand is still here, but her journey has not been without sorrow.
Lawrance was diagnosed with galloping cancer at 65 and a doctor shared with her family that her life will be short, but her gift of longevity refused to be beaten down.
After the gut-punch of diagnosis her cancer responded well to surgical treatment, and she on October 28 celebrated her almost a century birthday.
Family and friends marked this milestone at Papachinos restaurant in Sunward Park, where she was honoured with a special cake from the restaurant.
Born in 1925, Daphne’s life has been marked by perseverance, love and devotion to her family.
Her daughter, Brenda Steenkamp, shared stories and reflections, painting a picture of an incredible life lived to its fullest.
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“Our mother was born in Cape Town and spent her childhood in Mayfair, Johannesburg. In 1946, she married Jack Lawrance, our father and they began their life together in Springs.
“Later, in 1979, they moved to Bryanston, where they stayed until Jack retired.
“This was just the start of their moves, with our mother always finding ways to adapt and make each new place feel like home.
“Wherever we moved, mom always made each place feel like home. Her flexibility and optimism helped make every new chapter an adventure.”
Steenkamp said in 2005, after our dad passed away, Daphne maintained her independence, living alone at their townhouse in Dayan Glen, Boksburg, until moving in with me in 2011.
She added that Daphne completed a 5km Boksburg Parkrun in just over an hour, setting a powerful example of tenacity and physical perseverance.
Steenkamp went on to say that, at 99, she continues to live independently in her own flat on our property in Parkrand.
“Every day, she keeps up her routine, making her bed, cleaning her home and even tending to her beloved garden. She’s truly unstoppable.”
Family
Steenkamp pointed out that family has always been at the centre of Daphne’s life.
“She and our father raised four children and her legacy has grown to include nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
“Yet, her journey has not been without sorrow. In recent years, Daphne endured the loss of two of her children, Carol in 2021 and Peter in 2022, which affected her deeply and impacted her memory.
“It’s been difficult and the loss has taken a toll on her well-being, but she’s still so strong. That’s just who she is.”
As a devoted mother and homemaker, Daphne’s love and care have left an indelible mark on her family.
“She is the best mother anyone could have wished for. Her love is unconditional and she is an inspiration to everyone who knows her.”
Brenda and her sister Thelma, along with their husbands, make sure Daphne remains an active part of their lives.
“Mum has been a gift to all of us. Her love is unconditional, and we are grateful for her every single day.”
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