KNYSNA NEWS - A resident of Loeriehof Old Age Home, Elizabeth Keller, recently celebrated a significant milestone – one that very few get to celebrate. On 1 February, Beth, as she is affectionately known, turned 100 years old.
Beth has been a resident of Loeriehof Old Age Home for nearly seven years, moving to Knysna from Tzaneen in Limpopo early in 2016.
She celebrated her very special milestone with family and friends and the staff at Loeriehof, even holding a special party just for the staff the day before she officially turned 100.
Both immediate and extended family members of Beth flocked to Loeriehof throughout her birthday week, travelling from all around the country to wish her well on the extraordinary occasion.
KPH got to have a quick chat with Beth before the celebrations, and when asked the clichéd question, "What's the secret to a long life?" her answer was simple: "Just keep busy. Always have something to do, something to keep you busy and to stimulate your mind."
A bit about Beth
Born in Johannesburg in 1923 as Elizabeth Fotheringham, Beth was raised in Johannesburg. She was named after her grandmother on her mother's side, Elizabeth Jones. In 1943 she met Albert Keller, and two years later the duo tied the knot in December 1945.
They welcomed the first of two sons, Bruce Robert Keller, in 1947. Later that year they made the move to Tzaneen with their little family. A further two years later Beth and Albert welcomed their second son, Douglas Albert Keller, born in Tzaneen in 1949. Douglas sadly passed away in 2003, and Bruce passed away in 2019.
Beth lived in Tzaneen for a total of 70 years, during which she lived an incredible life.
One of the greatest highlights came in 1953 when she and Albert were able to attend the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II in London, courtesy of her uncle John Fotheringham having been mayor of Johannesburg in 1937 and 1938.
She was a long-serving teacher and was an avid golfer as a member of Tzaneen Country Club.
She made the move to Knysna and Loeriehof in 2016. The move was initiated by her ex-daughter-in-law Lee Erasmus who was married to Bruce until their divorce in 1984.
Lee and Beth however maintained a very close relationship, and Lee has played a big role in caring for Beth since she moved to Knysna. Although Beth dearly misses Tzaneen, she has grown to love Knysna in the time she has lived here.
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