Two Thembalami Care Centre residents turned 98 and 97 in August – that is a collective 195 years!
Rachel Lasker turned 98 on August 17 and Joey de Souza turned 97 on August 1. They were the toast of the August birthday bash held at Thembalami Care Centre and the Max Ordman Deaf Association (MODA) on August 19.
Born in 1928 and 1929 respectively, Rachel and Joey have lived through almost a century of history.
When Rachel was born in 1928, Alexander Fleming was discovering penicillin and Mickey Mouse made his cinematic debut in Steamboat Willie. The Kellogg-Briand Pact, which sought to outlaw war as an instrument of national policy, was also signed that year.
Joey was born in 1929, the year the Roaring 20s ended and the Wall Street Crash triggered the Great Depression. The economic crisis affected countries around the world, with the United States and Germany among the hardest hit.
The pair were among 11 residents whose birthdays were celebrated at the August bash, alongside eight staff members.
While Rachel and Joey were the oldest residents celebrating birthdays at Thembalami, Sizakele Lelaka, who turned 79, was the youngest. At MODA, Annette Verskin (79) was the oldest birthday celebrant, while Lesley Nuyten (62) was the youngest.
Singer Rian Ungerer provided the entertainment, with his music proving a hit with residents.
“He moved between the residents during his performance and even flirted with some of the ladies, much to their delight,” says Thembalami deputy manager Elize Raath.
