Ron Smith Care Centre resident Irene Watson celebrated her 105th birthday today (September 8), in the company of her daughter Fiona, fellow residents and staff.
A resident at Ron Smith for 10 years, Irene has lived through a century of extraordinary change – and her milestone birthday came with a very special surprise: A birthday card from the King and Queen of England!
Born in Darlington, England, Irene worked in the accounts department at Binns Department Store before marrying Reg Watson. The couple had two children, Trevor and Fiona, and emigrated to Southern Zimbabwe in 1957, settling in Bulawayo.
In 1982, Irene and Reg moved to South Africa to be closer to their children. They eventually settled at Tarentaal Retirement Village, where they were among the village’s first residents.
An avid reader and crossword enthusiast, Irene also enjoyed being a member of the Toastmistress’s Club in Kempton Park. She lived independently in her Tarentaal home until 2016, when she moved to Ron Smith Care Centre.
Today, Irene enjoyed cake and tea as she celebrated this incredible milestone with those who care about her.
Everyone at Rand Aid wishes Irene a wonderful 105th birthday and hopes she enjoyed this very special milestone.
