Montana centenarian celebrates 101 years of life
Aunty Lea says life becomes smaller each day and with reduced hearing and limited mobility, her world has shrunk but her gratitude remains intact.
Lea Visser, a resident of Fleurenville Retirement Village in Montana, north of Pretoria, celebrated an extraordinary milestone turning 101 years old.
Visser celebrated her birthday on March 19. She was born in 1924.
With a century of life behind her, Visser remains sharp-minded, quick to share a joke, and full of positivity despite the challenges of ageing.
Born and raised in the Free State, Aunty Lea (as she is affectionately called) proudly claims that the resilience of Free Staters is unmatched.
It’s this inner strength that has guided her through life’s many trials and triumphs.
Looking back on her journey, Visser shared that she has lived a full life without regrets.
In one of the more remarkable stories of her life, she married her husband, Daan, after knowing him for just five days.
Visser joked, “If I had known him for two days longer, I might not have married him”.
Together, they shared a love that spanned decades and produced a son, Tinus.
Despite her lively humour, the hardest moment of her long life was saying goodbye to her beloved son, who passed away three years ago.
“That was the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do.”
At her age, Visser has outlived most of her family and friends, but she is grateful for the close bond she shares with her granddaughter, Lelanie Koumoutsaries, and her great-grandchildren.
“My grandmother is an inspiration to us all. She’s always been full of life, even after everything she has gone through.
“I can’t imagine anyone else who could stay so positive after 101 years, especially with all the loss she has endured,” said Koumoutsaries.
Living at such an advanced age is not without its challenges.
Visser said life becomes smaller each day and with reduced hearing and limited mobility, her world has shrunk but her gratitude remains intact.
“I feel so blessed to still be of sound mind. My body may have slowed down but my spirit remains unbroken.”
Her journey to 101 was not without its health scares as Visser underwent 21 stomach operations in her younger years.
Her longevity, she believes, is a result of healthy eating habits, lots of fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a positive outlook on life.
She fills her days by reading and watching the news, keeping herself informed about the world around her.
“It breaks my heart to see all the turmoil happening in the world.
“I hope our leaders across the globe can start thinking sensibly,” she said.
Visser said the young generation must not give up easily.
“Accept and learn from yesterday, live today because we don’t know what tomorrow might bring.”
A Visser embarks on another year of her life, her family and friends celebrate not just her age, but her resilience, her humour, and her unwavering positivity.
“She is an incredible woman, and we are so lucky to have her in our lives,” said Koumoutsaries.
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