Peggy Bouwer, a Discovery resident, recently had the privilege of blowing out the candles on her birthday cake, in celebration of her 100th birthday.
Peggy, who has been a resident at the Summit Village for the past 12 years, was spoilt with a special birthday party, a beautiful cake baked by one of her fellow residents, and balloons.
Her two sons, Allan and Gavin Bouwer, were overjoyed at having the opportunity and privilege to celebrate this special milestone with her.
She was born on 30 November 1917, and was a housewife for most of her married life, staying at home with her two sons until they left home.
Peggy lost her husband 30 years ago, and has been a resident at Summit Village in Discovery for the past 12 years.
“Mom has lived a great life, and was still camping with friends at the age of 91! Shortly thereafter, she had a nasty fall resulting in a broken hip and we had to employ caregivers to assist her,” said Gavin.
Her two caregivers – Edna Ndlovu and Eunice Mthombeni – have been taking care of her for the past nine years, and the family believes that it is mostly due to their great care that Peggy has managed to reach this amazing milestone.
She is privileged enough to receive regular visits from her family, who join her on a weekly basis for some tea and to spend quality time with her.
Gavin described his mother as someone who has always loved an outing with friends and said, “She was always the first to book a holiday or bus tour with her friends.”
Peggy believes that the secret to her long and healthy life is simple – dessert, and Gavin explained, “Mom has always loved her ice cream after dinner, and to this day, she makes sure that she eats a bowl every night.”
Allan concluded with a story about his mother’s first – and only – driving lesson. “Mom has never driven a car in her life, she always walked. But, she did attempt to learn how to drive, and had one lesson. My father was the instructor, and during the drive, as they approached a farm gate, dad told her to slow down by using the brakes, but mom got confused and stepped on the accelerator. Needless to say, she collided with the gate, and decided on the spot that she would never drive again!” he said with a big smile.
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