Evergreen Flora Hartman celebrates 100 years of life at her home in Florida
Friends and family have been enjoying the love of the Hartmans at their West Avenue address for over 70 years.
Immovable love is the cornerstone of any home.
Still, just 99 years old, Flora Hartman has lived in the same Florida home for just over 72 years. Cared for by her two daughters and grandson Reggie, Flora celebrates her 100th birthday with her closest friends and family today, March 12.
Flora grew up in Zeerust with her parents and two younger brothers. She married Jack Hartman, a train driver, in 1947 and together they moved into their West Avenue home in 1951 where they would spend the entirety of their marriage. Together they had three children, Stephen, Noreen, and Linda who gave them three grandchildren.
Noreen shares her favourite memories of her mother, retelling how when she and her siblings would get home from school their mother would always be there waiting for them. Flora is described as an extremely kind and caring wife who has a passion for the kitchen, always keeping the household and guests fed. Recounting the immeasurable joy shared within their walls, Noreen tears up, saying “You can’t buy memories like that”.
Described as having led a clean and godly life, the garden has always been a place of tranquility. The still immaculate array features trees and flowers planted by Jack throughout the years, every one a reminder of the late father and husband. Flora fell ill in July last year and although now unable to walk, the garden and her favourite chair allow her to share the serenity with the birds.
Flora’s mother, who too grew old in the West Avenue home, bought her a piano when she was 12 and the heirloom still sits in the living room to this day. As well as piano, Flora is said to have loved singing, and performing in the church choir at the same church she has always attended, NG Kerk Florida South. Flora’s belief in God and her close family ties are what Noreen believes has kept her going this long.
“It is a wonderful blessing to still have her, not many people get to experience this,” gushed Noreen.
Flora is a cancer survivor who overcame an unfavourable prognosis many decades ago, defying the odds to live to the ripe age of 100 years.
