100 years of blessings

Not many can say that they can celebrate their 100th birthday, but for Iris Jane Hart it is a huge blessing, privilege and honour to have reached this major and unreal milestone.

Jane turned 100 on September 18, and her family and friends arranged a celebration luncheon at The Bryanston Country Club on September 19.

On this day all seven of her children went to church with her.

The RECORD visited Jane to listen to her story.

A little bit of history

Jane was born in 1921 in Bloemhof in the Free State, and she is the second oldest of six children.

When she was three years old, she lost her mother and she and her five siblings were placed into Nazareth House in Johannesburg, as her father was not in a position to look after them after her mother’s death.

“I was in the Nazareth House until I was 18. My brother lived in one section and me and my sister in the other section.”

She said she learned a lot of life lessons at the Nazareth House, from how to cook to how to knit.

“I remember on Sundays when our parents were allowed to come and visit, all the children will sit and wait on the sports field for their parents. The excitement on everyone’s faces was so amazing,” she said.

Jane finished standard eight (Grade 10) and after school, the home helped to find her a job.

“I started working as a waiter in Braamfontein.”

While working as a waiter, she fell in love with the boy who lived across the road of the restaurant where she worked.

Jane and Vernon started dating, and they got married in 1940 when she was 20.

“This was during World War II, and we got married a week before my husband got deployed to Africa. During this time, he was taken as a prisoner in the war of Germany. He was kept there for five years before escaping,” Jane explained.

“Words can’t explain what went through my mind when I saw him for the first time after five years. It was just one of those priceless moments.”

Beginning their journey

Vernon and Jane rented a semi-house in La Rochelle where they started a family. Their first child was born in 1947.

“We ended up having eight children, but we lost one of them due to a sudden illness in 2008.”

The family then moved to South Hills and lived there for 37 years. It was such a wonderful area to live in those days and a lot of memories were made.”

Jane worked in the motor industry for 26 years before retiring, while Dad worked for the council up to the age of 64.

In 1996 we moved into a flatlet at my daughter, Helen’s, house in Glenvista.

After a week living in there, hubby died at the age of 67.

“Death is never easy. It is terrible and heartbreaking. I lost a child and I lost my husband and it has been a terrible time in my life. I made it through with God’s grace and a supportive family.”

Jane then lived in the flat on her own until she was about 90.

After Jane had a big fall, Helen thought it would be best for her to live in the main house with them.

Blessed and healthy

Jane is a healthy person and only struggles a little bit with her sight and hearing.

“My mum will only take a Panado when it is really necessary,” said Helen.

Jane spends most of her days reading magazines, knitting and gardening.

“I also enjoy cooking for my family sometimes. And there is nothing better than a roasted chicken served with rice, veggies and roasted potatoes on a Sunday,” she said.

Jane is blessed with seven children, 19 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

“Life is all about family and if I can be honest, my family is what inspires me and keeps me going. I am so blessed.”

Her family describe Jane as an open-minded, caring, loving, forgiving, religious and kind-hearted person.

“She sees the good in everything and is non-judgemental. She is faithful and will go to church no matter what. She is such a role model,” said Helen.

Jane taught her family they should never go to bed angry.

“You can’t live a happy life if you hold grudges,” Jane added.

One of the things she regrets is that she is unable to visit her family in New Zealand.

“I don’t travel well. I won’t make the flight,” she said.

Part of the Brackenhurst Amblers Walking Club

Jane has been part of the Brackenhurst Amblers for years.

“Friends turned into family,” she said.

Now Jane is one of their honorary members, and she will still meet up with the members once a month.
“This month we will have a big celebration,” she said.

Birthday celebrations

Eighty people attended Jane’s birthday celebration on September 19 at The Bryanston Country Club.
There was a table for each child to share with their children and grandchildren.

Family members also gave speeches and congratulated Jane with a three-course meal, presents and a big cake.

“I felt so special and everything was so beautiful.”

Message from family

“We would like to wish my mum whatever time she has left a lot of happiness and health. Thank you for being one remarkable woman. We are just so grateful,” said Helen on behalf of the family.