Omi celebrates 100 years of life
From escaping Nazi Germany to building a life and legacy in South Africa, Susan ‘Omi’ Katz celebrates her 100th birthday surrounded by loving family and friends.
Surviving war, building a family, and living through a century of change, Susan Katz’s, known as Omi, 100th birthday was not just a celebration of age, but of a life rich in history, heart, and heritage.
Now residing at Melrose Manor, Omi was born on August 17, 1925, in Regensburg, Germany. Omi’s story is not only one of survival, but of strength and adaptation, a true emblem of resilience across eras and continents.
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The daughter of celebrated opera singer Rose Firnbacher, and Julius Firnbacher, Omi’s early childhood was steeped in music and the arts, but also marred by the encroaching terror of the Nazi regime.
At just six years old, her world changed when her parents were forced to flee Germany, leaving her in the care of grandparents.
By the age of 10, she had journeyed alone across Europe and sailed to South Africa aboard the Dulia Cezare, bringing with her, not just her suitcase, but a spark that would one day ignite generations.
That spark was evident early on, as she recalls winning second place in a shipboard fancy dress contest, dressed as a Hawaiian girl with a skirt made of wine corks, an early glimpse into the light-hearted spirit that has carried her through life’s darkest chapters.
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Settling in Hillbrow in 1936, Omi quickly adapted to her new home. It was here she forged lifelong friendships, and, in 1945, she met the love of her life, Issy Katz, attracted not only to his charm, but to his black 1940 Chevy with white-rimmed tyres. “It made me feel like a queen,” she said.
The couple married in 1946 at the Wanderers View Congregation in Johannesburg and enjoyed 51 years of marriage until his passing at 83.
They raised three children, two daughters, and a son who tragically passed away 28 years ago.
Today, her family spans four generations, 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, many of whom gathered for her birthday.
Her first born, Helen Kruger (78), said: “It’s amazing to be able to celebrate my mom’s 100th birthday. She’s lived through some of the world’s most dramatic changes. From escaping persecution to starting a family business and helping raise generations. Of course, it’s hard to walk or hear now, but a hundred is a hundred.”
Omi’s sharp mind and vibrant spirit remain intact. While she now contends with the challenges of age, difficulty hearing, limited mobility, and vision impairment, her enthusiasm for life endures. “I’ve had a long life with joy, sorrow, laughter, and love, but today, looking at all of you, I know I’ve been truly blessed.”
Omi’s third great-grandchild, Ben Zar, concluded: “Omi, I love you so much and I’m so lucky to have you. I’m grateful you’re my great granny and that I’ve had the chance to know you. Thank you for everything.”
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