Suikerbosoord in Heidelberg hosted a special celebration on May 11 in honour of Goue Akker dementia unit resident Stofie Pruis, who reached the remarkable milestone of her 100th birthday.

The centenary celebration brought together caregivers, staff, and loved ones to pay tribute to a life spanning a century of dedication, family, and service.

Born Stofie Van der Walt, she was the second of six daughters. She completed both her primary and high school education in Petrus Steyn before pursuing her passion for education. From 1945 to 1947, she studied at the Heidelberg Teachers’ College.

Her teaching career began in Westdene, Johannesburg, where she first entered the classroom, before continuing her work in Greylingstad, where she fully embraced her calling as an educator.

On December 15, 1951, she married Piet Pruis, a butcher from Greylingstad. Following the birth of their five children, she temporarily stepped away from teaching to focus on her family.

In 1967, she returned to the profession and continued teaching until her retirement at the age of 60. Her husband, Piet Pruis, passed away on 14 November 1989.

In May 2001, she moved to Suikerbosoord Retirement Village, where she lived in house number 238 until July 2020. She later became a resident of Silver Akker before moving to Goue Akker in 2024, where she currently resides.

Pruis is surrounded by a large and loving family, including 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, who continue to honour her legacy of commitment, care, and perseverance.

“We are truly honoured to celebrate this incredible milestone with auntie Stofie. Her life is a testament to strength, love, and resilience, and it is a privilege for us as caregivers to be part of her journey,” said Marlene Walkden of Suikerbosoord.