Kempton Park centenarian honoured for war service and family legacy at 100

Doreen Betty Combe turned 100 on 3 April, celebrating a century filled with service, strength and strong family ties.

Born in England in 1925, Combe has lived through some of the world’s most historic moments, describing her journey from wartime England to suburban Kempton Park as nothing short of a blessing.

She grew up in Poole, England, and when World War II broke out in 1939, she was just 14 years old.

ALSO READ: Esias Bosch’s centenary celebrated with an online auction

Determined to help, she pretended to be older so she could join the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF).

“I just wanted to do my part, and it was a way to protect myself,” she said.

“I worked with barrage balloons, which were used to stop German bombers from flying too low. It was tough work, but we all felt we were protecting our country.”

Combe served until 1949 and reached the rank of corporal.

During the war, she met her future husband, a Green Berets soldier stationed in England.

“We met, and six weeks later, we were married,” she said, recalling how they tied the knot in 1946 when she was 21 years old.

The couple went on to have five children: one born in England, three in Scotland, and the youngest in South Africa.

ALSO READ: Wits marks centenary by hosting river clean-up in Thembisa

The family moved to South Africa in 1961 when her husband secured a contract to work as a project engineer for black powder in Modderfontein.

They later settled in Kempton Park, where Combe became a familiar face in the community. After years as a dedicated housewife, she joined Foschini in Kempton City, South Africa’s first mall, and later became store manager. She then worked at NBS (Natal Building Society) before retiring at the age of 60.

Her husband died in 2010, and sadly, one of her children has also passed away.

Today, Combe is surrounded by a large, loving family of four children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

What she cherishes most are moments spent with her family, especially on Christmas Day.

“Oh, I love Christmas. Everyone comes together, and I get to have my roasted potatoes, vegetables, and all my children around me. That’s happiness,” she said.

Her youngest daughter, Beverly Combe, said her mother has been her biggest inspiration.

“She taught me independence, confidence, honesty and integrity,” said Beverly.

ALSO READ: 100 Years on, SA’s agricultural extension services still growing communities

“She always supported us in everything we wanted to pursue in life. She never stood in our way; she always lifted us up.”

Glynis Combe, her daughter-in-law and the wife of her firstborn, Robert “Bob” Combe, described her as “strict but sweet”.

“She has a strong personality, but she’s also very kind,” Glynis said.

“I used to take her shopping and to play bingo. We always had such good times together.”

When asked what advice she would give today’s youth, the centenarian simply said:

“Respect your parents. Do what they tell you, always.”

As part of her 100th birthday celebrations, Combe received a congratulatory letter from Buckingham Palace, signed on behalf of King Charles III.

She was also honoured with a special certificate from the Royal Air Forces Association, recognising her service and celebrating her reaching 100 years.