On June 14, Enid Dixon marked a significant milestone – her 90th birthday. A beloved resident of Thornhill Manor retirement village for the past 23 years, Enid is admired for her warmth, kindness and unwavering gratitude for life.
Born and raised in Springs on the then East Rand, Enid was one of eight siblings. She fondly recalls her childhood as a time when life felt slower, safer and more honest. Later in life, she spent 31 years in the then Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), where she created some of her most treasured memories.
Family has always been central to Enid’s life. “I am blessed to have seen my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow into kind, capable people,” she says. “It has been one of life’s greatest rewards.”
Among her proudest achievements is the love and strong bond she shares with her children, who are a source of enduring joy.
When asked to describe herself in three words, Enid chooses ‘busy, caring, and grateful’. These qualities shine through in everything she does, whether participating in community events at Thornhill Manor or reflecting on her journey through life.
Her happiest moments? “My marriage and raising my children,” she says with a smile. Her Christian faith, she adds, has been the cornerstone of her happiness and resilience through the years.
Enid has witnessed tremendous changes over the decades, especially in technology. While she admits to having only limited knowledge of the digital world, the invention that continues to amaze her most is the cellphone. “Who would have thought we’d carry phones in our pockets one day?” she marvels.
As for the secret to her healthy ageing, Enid keeps it simple: Regular exercise, good nutrition, and steering clear of alcohol and nicotine.
