A celebration of five generations

A healthy Yvonne Nel (84), who for many years worked as a receptionist at a law firm, has lived to see four generations of women grow in front of her.
The Randhart resident, who has been in the area for 52 years, has lived to see society’s expectations differ over the years and she values her family’s growth.
Yvonne is a mother to Reinette Nel (64), a grandmother to Vanessa (44), great-grandmother to Jayne (21) and a great-great-grandmother to one-year-old Scarlett Nel.
Over the years, the artistic senior was prominently known for her poetry, creative stories and spending most of her time playing the piano.
“Sadly, when my husband passed away on December 23, 2014, I stopped writing and playing the piano. My husband, Wally, enjoyed listening to me play the piano. What makes my journey special is that we are five generations of ladies, all first-born and blessed with perfect health,” she said.
She told the RECORD that she is blessed to have a lovely caring family that is forever willing to take care of her.
“My biggest fear is being placed in an old age home. I enjoy sitting in the morning sun and passing time with my favourite books and sharing what I read with others. I mostly love spending time with my family, especially with my great-great-granddaughter Scarlett who often keeps me busy,” said Yvonne.
Her granddaughter Vanessa Beytell said: “We want granny Yvonne to know that we think about her daily and that she means everything to us. We thank her for the amazing role model she has been to us. She is dearly loved. When she sleeps she reminds us of a porcelain doll.”