Phyllis Carrick’s eyes sparkled and her smile flashed at her 100th birthday celebration, held at Thembalami Care Centre in the company of fellow residents and staff members.
Born on June 24, 1924, Phyllis is known for her sharp wit, beautiful smile, and twinkling eyes, says Esme van der Walt, Thembalami’s manager.
The birthday girl reminisced about her childhood spent in Bedfordview and the values instilled in her by her parents.
She spoke fondly of a simpler time before WWII. Despite the hardships, she remembers the joy of simple pleasures, like walking through nature to Primrose Primary and later Germiston High schools.
After school and until her marriage, Phyllis worked at the dynamite factory in Modderfontein, which she says she loved.
She met her husband while he was working as a bricklayer for her father and said their love stayed strong when he went to war in WWII. They had a ‘beautiful family’ of two daughters and one son, and a lifetime of cherished memories. Sadly, illness claimed the life of her youngest daughter.
Phyllis is thankful for her son Gavin, daughter-in-law Margie, daughter Coleen and grandchildren and highlighted the importance of nurturing and valuing relationships.
She is a passionate supporter of women battling cancer and over the years has knitted many prostheses for breast cancer survivors who have had a mastectomy.
Her positive outlook on life and strong sense of purpose are the secrets to her longevity and joyful spirit, she shared.
Phyllis Carrick at her 100th birthday celebration.
