Pioneer House Elderly Care Centre resident celebrates century of life
Freda Trehair received a gift from King Charles and Queen Camilla for her 100th birthday.
Laughter and music filled the halls of Pioneer House Elderly Care Centre on March 24 as Margaret Gertrude Freda Trehair, known simply as Freda, celebrated a century of life.
The atmosphere was one of warmth and admiration, a fitting tribute to a woman whose journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
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Born in Liverpool in 1925, Freda’s story took a new turn when, at six years old, she set sail for South Africa. The ship carried her to Durban in 1931, and from there, Johannesburg became her lifelong home. For 63 years, she has lived in the same house in Waverley, a place rich with memories of family, love, and laughter.
Her daughter, Lynda McCauley, ensured that the milestone was celebrated in grand style. Family, friends, and fellow residents gathered to honour Trehair, whose presence has been a source of love and strength for generations. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren stood proudly, sharing heartfelt words about the incredible woman they are lucky to call their own. There was a sense of deep gratitude in the room, a recognition of the wisdom and kindness she has shared over the years.
Even across the seas, Freda’s remarkable journey did not go unnoticed. A special gift from King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived, a royal acknowledgement of a century filled with grace. It was a touching reminder of her roots, a connection to the country she once called home.
Freda’s life has been one of quiet resilience and unwavering kindness. She married Percy Trehair in 1944, and together they built a life filled with love, raising two children, Steve and Lynda. Their marriage spanned 49 years, a partnership of devotion and shared dreams. Today, her legacy continues through her four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, each carrying forward a piece of her spirit.
Her working years were spent at the Permanent Building Society, where she began at 18 and retired as head of proving department in 1985. The Perm, now Nedbank, was more than just a workplace; it was a space where she contributed with diligence and dedication.
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Outside of work, Freda embraced life with an adventurous spirit. Her hobbies were many: bridge, sewing, knitting, sugar cake icing, ping pong, swimming, and tennis. She found joy in the simple pleasures, in the act of creating, playing, and staying active. Perhaps it is this very spirit that has kept her young at heart. When reminded of her age, she laughs and insists, “But I feel like 70.”
Her life was woven into the rhythms of Johannesburg. Each day, she would ride the bus from Waverley to Justas Corner. The bus driver and passengers all knew her well, waiting outside her home and hooting for her with friendly smiles. It was a daily routine, a moment of connection with the city she loved.
When asked about the secret to her long life, Freda’s advice is simple yet profound: “Keep doing the things that you love.” It is a philosophy she has lived by, embracing every moment with warmth and joy.
Her daughter describes her best: “My mother is amazing. She loved us unconditionally and was always there, no matter what we were going through. We always had a bed at home. You could tell her anything, and it would be kept private.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth Freda Trehair celebrated a major milestone, marking her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends at Pioneer House. The room was filled with love and song as everyone joined in to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to the centenarian. #birthdaycake #pioneerhouse
♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North – Caxton Joburg North
On the day of her 100th birthday, Freda sat surrounded by the people who loved her most. There was cake, laughter, and the sweet melody of Happy Birthday filling the air. Tea was poured, memories were shared, and hearts were full. It was a celebration of a woman who has never fought with anyone, who has always been kind and friendly, and who, in her quiet way, has touched the lives of so many.
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