Aunty Dinah Fourie dies aged 103

GREAT great grandma and Kensington's oldest resident, Dinah Fourie, has died peacefully after having the chance to say goodbye to her loved ones.

Aunty Dinah, as she was affectionately called, turned 103 in April.

She passed away from natural causes on Friday.

Her granddaughter, Evelyn Porode, 47, said her grandmother was a God-fearing woman who, in reference to heaven, “always knew where she was going”.

Porode said Fourie always encouraged her family, especially the women, to put their education first and make a success of their lives and careers.

“Her last words to me were ‘go vote'. She said we must remember what was fought for, education is important.

“She said ‘you mustn't rely on a man'. We have opportunities that she never had,” Porode said.

Fourie had three children and leaves behind one daughter, Dinah Phillips, 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and six great great grandchildren.

Originally from Greyton in the Overberg, Fourie died at the Kensington Home for the Aged where she had been living since August 1988.

Porode said her grandmother loved it at the home, and had made many friends.

Management board deputy chairperson Mona Angers said she remembered welcoming Fourie, along with her late son, 33 years ago.

“She remained a strong, God-fearing woman who was always direct and to the point.

“We are saddened by her passing. She was good until the end.”

Porode said the family was still planning and confirming funeral details.

At her 100th birthday, Fourie said: “There is no secret to living to 100. All I can say is I don't drink or smoke.”