Umtentweni music teacher celebrates a century
Music has remained at the heart of her life.
A lifelong love of music, teaching and community service has defined the remarkable life of Kathe Nuss (Rossler), who celebrated her 100th birthday on May 14.
Born on a farm in Paddock on May 14, 1926, Kathe is the eldest of three children. Her brother, Louis, died in 1998, while her sister, Rosa Rossler (92), now lives with her in a cottage in Umtentweni.
Kathe attended school in Paddock and Izotsha before completing high school in Hermannsburg. After matriculating, she began teaching piano and singing while continuing her own music studies, earning music qualifications as she built a reputation as a talented, patient and dedicated teacher.
Over the years, she taught at several schools and convents, including the Port Shepstone Convent, now known as St Martin de Porres, Ladysmith Convent, St Anne’s Diocesan College in Hilton, and Epworth School in Pietermaritzburg.
She later married Werner and raised four sons, while continuing to share her passion for music with generations of students. After the family built a home in Umtentweni, Kathe carried on teaching music lessons there until the age of 80.
Rosa said many former students remember her as a kind and encouraging teacher who remained patient even when they arrived unprepared for lessons.
Outside the classroom, Kathe was an enthusiastic gardener and became especially well known for her beautiful dahlias. She sold fresh flowers through the Farmers’ Co-op in Port Shepstone and devoted nearly 50 years to the Women’s Institute. Having first joined while living in Paddock, she later became president of the Umtentweni branch and also served in executive positions on the Federation of Women’s Institutes.
Music, however, always remained at the heart of her life.
Kathe spent 20 years with the Mbango Choir and also sang with Dr Yvonne Huskinson’s choir, taking part in numerous productions and performances over the decades. She played at many churches along the coast and has been a lifelong member of Bethany Lutheran Church, where she served as organist for many years before retiring at the age of 95. She was also elected as the church’s first Lady Decon, served on numerous committees, and became known as a dedicated fundraiser.
Remarkably, Kathe also continued driving until she was 95.
Sadly, she has lost much of her hearing in later years and can no longer enjoy music on television or the radio.
‘It’s a frustrating and unhappy situation as she wrestles with her aches and pains which come with very old age,” said Rosa.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
