White River’s finest citizens celebrate 65 years
WHITE RIVER - It was a joyful and unforgettable occasion when two lovebirds, true Lowveld pioneers, celebrated their
65th wedding anniversary of June 16 on November 16.
Marie Susanna and Hermanus Christiaan Steyn were married on June 16, 1957, in Florida, Johannesburg, in the Gereformeerde Kerk. It was the beginning of a great adventure to the Lowveld.
In 1958, a year after their betrothal, the couple moved to White River where they started their large, successful and happy family.
On their special anniversary day, the couple and their extraordinary family treated themselves to a slap-up meal at Spur in White River and were overjoyed that their three daughters, Lynette, Martie and Hester, and son Herman, as well as other family members, could join them for the celebration.
Marie worked as a nurse at Rob Ferreira Hospital (RFH) from 1966 to 1991. For many years, she was a maternity ward sister. As a “baby-catcher”, she helped bring countless Lowvelders into this world and experienced the joyful cry of new life so many times during her fruitful years at the hospital. The last years of her career saw her working as an indispensable nursing sister in the day ward at RFH.
Before his retirement, Herman was a successful businessman who started Steyn Boorkontrakteurs, among other successful ventures. He was also part of the commando system, working with the Barberton, Nelspruit and White River commandos. He has the unusual distinction of being the last person to trek from Nelspruit to White River by oxwagon.
During their long and happy marriage,
Part of the large Steyn family: Fanie Joubert, Nettie Ferreira, Peet Ferreira, Maryne Steyn, Adante Steyn, Linette Sutherland, Jan Sutherland, Herman Steyn, Hester Botha, Lorraine Steyn, Herman Steyn, Anieke Steyn, Marie Steyn, Herman Steyn and Martie Joubert.
the couple were very involved with the Hervormde Kerk as well as the Voortrekkers. They may be counted as among the last of the Lowveld’s pioneers who helped tame the wild region and who saw our small towns grow and flourish over the years.
The Steyns have 10 grandchildren: Elmari, Mareli, Herman, Mariska, Clarisa, Linette, Adante, Anieke, Maryne and Herman.
Their seven great-grandchildren are named Bismarck, Dian, Hinka, Johan, Xander, Danette and Elmie. The Steyns’ whole family wishes Herman and Marie good health and many happy anniversary returns.
Their secret to a long and happy life? Never go to bed angry with each other, communicate clearly and never forget to laugh.