Bluff do-gooder celebrates her ninth decade

SURVIVING breast cancer, a horrific and violent hijacking and living her life through serving others were among the many tales which Lucy Lawler had to share, as she celebrated her 90th birthday on Wednesday, 8 August.

Born in 1928, Lucy was unapologetic about how she has lived her life.

For over 60 years she served the community of the Bluff through charity work and played an instrumental role in her church.

Before she moved to the Bluff, she grew up in Rossburgh. She married in 1949 and moved to the Bluff’s Kings Rest area in 1953. “I stayed in that home with my two children and husband until he died. We were married for about 40 years and it was a good life. I worked in sales for many years before getting married and after two children, I left my job and took on the hardest yet most rewarding job of raising my girls,” she said.

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Besides Lucy’s children, her life centered around helping the needy, through charity work and volunteering at soup kitchens.

Carol Bosch said her mother helping others is the only thing she knows her to do.

“From a young age I can remember my mom taking us to the soup kitchen where she served food to the hungry. For years I have watched her toil away to help others less fortunate than her with a smile on her face. She enjoyed it and it’s something to admire,” said Carol. “As a mother, she was kind and never smacked us. She was the matriarch as she took care of the family. She was and still is very hands-on. Although she never worked, she worked hard at raising us,” she added.

Lucy’s 90th birthday saw her spend the day surrounded by the people she loved – her friends and family. “It was a good birthday, it was quiet but enjoyable,” she smiled.

Her secret to her long and good life is white wine. “White wine and enjoying your life. Don’t waste it on petty stuff, just live for the now and be kind to one other. My charity work gave me a purpose. I loved it and it was who I am. Live selflessly,” she advised.

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