Thembalami Care Centre resident Joan Keylock marked a remarkable milestone on March 14, celebrating her 98th birthday under the lapa in the centre’s beautiful gardens.
As the oldest resident at Thembalami, Joan’s special day was filled with laughter, family, and fond memories, with around 35 family and friends joining the celebration.
“Mom was born Isabelle Joan Mann in 1928 in Turffontein, Johannesburg, and our family moved to Kempton Park in 1930,” said her daughter Belle. “She met Dad, Sarel Johannes (Johnny) Keylock, in 1952, and they married in 1954. They built a wonderful life together and raised four daughters. Mum has always been dedicated to family, from dropping us off at school to sharing tennis and card games with us.”
Joan and her husband lived in Vereeniging before moving to their family home in Kew in 1958. Later, they settled in Edenrust Park, Edenvale, and then Tarentaal retirement village. Belle explained, “Mum was very involved with the care group at the village, helping serve teas, set up the chapel for mass, and sending out birthday cards to all the residents. She continued writing cards long after the group had dwindled, right up until 2022.”
Joan moved to Thembalami in September 2023, when she felt she could no longer care for herself properly. “We are so grateful to the staff here,” Belle said. “They make it possible for us to stay connected, even with daughters living overseas. Jeni flew in from Canada to celebrate, and though Di couldn’t make it from New Zealand, we still felt the love from afar.”
The birthday celebrations were full of joy and humour, reflecting Joan’s own outlook on life. “Mum has the most amazing sense of humour,” Belle said. “She always says, ‘If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing’. And in her own words about the future: ‘Watch this space, I’m here to celebrate my 100th birthday’.”
