Ellen Quinn’s 101st birthday celebration on April 17 wasn’t just a party – it was a testament to her inspiring impact on others and her enduring sense of humour, which continues to bring joy.
Warmth filled the River Lodge 2 wing at the Ron Smith Care Centre as staff and fellow residents gathered to celebrate. A birthday cake was presented, and Ellen’s ever-present smile lit up the room.
Messages on the WhatsApp group for family members of River Lodge 2 residents showed just what an inspiration Ellen is: ‘Congratulations to an amazing lady with a remarkable sense of humour amongst other attributes!’, ‘She is such an inspiration!’, ‘Amazing to have reached such an age!’ and ‘Lovely sense of humour’.
Ellen was born in Rhodesia. When she was about five years old, her family moved to a farm near the Tugela River in Natal
At age 19, during WWII, she married Edmund Quinn, who she met at a rollerskate rink. He was in the air force and served in North Africa and Europe, while Ellen worked in Johannesburg as a hairdresser.
After the war, the couple started their family. They lived in Edenvale and then Bedfordview, before moving to Potchefstroom. They had three sons and were happily married until Edmund died after 47 years of marriage.
Ellen then moved to Rand Aid’s Elphin Lodge retirement village, where she lived for 28 years before moving to Ron Smith Care Centre, on the same grounds as Elphin Lodge.
In her younger years, Ellen was the chairperson of the PTA of Potch Boys High and was famous for catering sporting events. She was an accomplished gardener, who won prizes and loved embroidery and knitting.
Pure joy from birthday girl Ellen Quinn (101).
Ellen Quinn (101) and loving staff on her birthday: In front are Elizabeth Peterson, Ellen, and Lerato Pebane, and standing are Precious Monwanati and Thuli Ndlovu.
