Sandton’s Olive Wood celebrates 100th birthday
Olive Wood, a local centenarian, defied health odds to mark her milestone birthday surrounded by family and friends.
Sandton resident Olive Wood celebrated her 100th birthday on May 15, after she faced a serious health scare when she suffered from bronchitis and pneumonia a few weeks back.
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Against all odds, she pulled through, stunning her family and medical team alike, and now stands proud, celebrating a century of wisdom and love.
Born and raised in India, Wood’s extraordinary journey took her across continents, from her early days in India, where she joined the British Army at just 16, to her life in England with her husband, Dennis, a dedicated mining engineer.
In 1963, Wood and her husband moved to South Africa, where she worked tirelessly at a jewellery shop until her retirement.
Wood and Dennis’s marriage spanned 62 years until his passing 18 years ago. Together, they had two children; one daughter and one son, the latter of whom sadly passed away. Olive is also a proud grandmother to three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
“I feel happy, very blessed,” she said. “I’m grateful to be here today with my family and friends. I was hospitalised four or five weeks ago, when I suffered from bronchitis and pneumonia, but with God, I am celebrating my 100th birthday and hope to celebrate more birthdays to come.
“I love watching TV, especially news, because I am a kind of person who doesn’t want to be behind on what’s happening in the world. Spicy food, braai and sweets are my favourite things to eat.”
When asked for her message to young people, Olive offered simple, heartfelt advice: “Be kind to each other. Love each other, no matter who they are. Love everyone.”
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Her granddaughter, Justine Smollan, shared heartfelt words about her grandmother’s resilience.
“We almost lost her a few weeks ago when she suffered from bronchitis and pneumonia, but she pulled through against all odds. The hospital was in shock, no one could believe she survived. Olive is truly an inspiration to our family. She’s a symbol of strength and love for all of us.
“We love you so much, and we hope you’re around for many more years to come,” Smollan added.
Olive’s friend Bryan Hirsch said, “Olive, you are interested in everything, you follow the world’s news, you always analyse what’s going on from sports to politics, that’s the amazing thing when we think of someone who is aged 100.
“On behalf of your family and friends, I would like to say we love you dearly. We wouldn’t miss today for anything, and we wish you everything that you wish for yourself. May you be blessed, may God be kind to you, and we love you.”
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