102 full years for Florence

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Florence Alexander, a resident in the frail care of Genevafontein Retirement Village, recently celebrated her 102th birthday.

Florence was born on 2 May 1920 in Antwerp, Belgium. She met and married her husband Alfred during WW2 when she worked as a translator in the British REME based in Antwerp.

After the war the couple moved to Somerset in the UK, where they brought up two daughters. On retirement from running a successful garage business, they emigrated to South Africa in 1969.

Happy years were spent in Port Elizabeth where Florence, a keen bowler, also coached blind bowlers. Florence says she has enjoyed a wonderful life and attributes her longevity to no smoking, no red meat and very limited alcohol.

Most of all she appreciates the dedication and special care she receives in the frail care at Genevafontein.

Florence still enjoys playing Rummikub and Triominoes with her daughter. Her favourite pleasure is a drive in the car, especially to the strawberry farm.

Her main wish is that there won't be another lockdown due to Covid, as the isolation is too much to cope with at her age.

With Florence are trustee member Liz Harris (left) and chairman of the Board of Trustees Tom Fowls. Photo: Betty Mason, Florence's daughter