City woman turns 100

Louisa de Bruin with Lisbet Koopman.

A KIMBERLEY woman, Luisa de Bruin, celebrated an achievement yesterday that many people can only dream of – she turned 100 years old.

De Bruin will only celebrate her 100th birthday at the end of the month, when the Department of Social Development and the ANC Women’s League intend hosting a party for the centenarian.

De Bruin, or “Nana” as she is affectionately called by family members, has no children of her own but was yesterday surrounded by several family members, including Katriena Bagoe and Liesbet Koopman.

Koopman cares for De Bruin, who moved to Kimberley with her great-great grandmother many years ago.

According to Bagoe, De Bruin grew up on a farm in the Free State.

“My grandmother and De

Bruin were sisters and they, along with their other siblings and parents, grew up on a farm called Windpomp in the Free State.

“Nana was the youngest child in her family. All her siblings have since died and she is the only one still alive.

“Nana got married and moved to De Aar, where she was staying with her in-laws after her husband became ill. She returned to Windpomp after her husband died. She worked in the kitchen of the farm owners and later also moved to Durban to work for the children of the farm owners,” said Bagoe.

De Bruin has fond memories of growing up in Windpomp. “I want to go back there,” she said nostalgically yesterday.

Sitting in her chair in the living room, De Bruin also talked about Durban and the time she spent there.

Koopman said that she remembered growing up with De Bruin, who took care of her and her siblings as though they were her own children.

“When my grandmother and mother died, I took over the responsibility of looking after Nana and during all that time I have never seen her angry or saying any harsh words,” said Koopman.

“She loves meat, and even though she doesn’t have any teeth, all her meals must include meat, which has to be cooked very soft so that she can chew it with her gums. Even if we have a braai, we put the meat back into the pot and cook it until it is soft for her,” she added, wiping a tear of from her eye.

Bagoe reiterated that De Bruin was a very soft-hearted person.

“She remembers and recognises each one of us – but sometimes calls us by our parents’ names. We feel that she is our mother because she is the only one left.” – Benida Phillps