Daphne Dreyer, described as a beacon of light at Berea Gardens Residence and Service Centre, turned 100 years old last week, marking a century in her storied life.
Dreyer is among only a handful of silver-haired East Londoners who have reached this distinguished milestone, the latest being beloved Parkside vetkoek grandma, Dorothy Campbell who reached 100 on September 14 last year.
There was an outpouring of love at Berea Gardens on August 1, as residents, staff, friends and family gathered to celebrate Dreyer’s remarkable 100th birthday. The celebration included moving tributes from family and friends whose lives have been touched by her warmth, determination and grace.
She is deeply cherished by fellow residents at Berea Gardens.
Born in the Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) in 1925, Dreyer spent her early years in Northern Rhodesia (Zambia), where she excelled in sport and represented her region in hockey and softball, later taking up tennis. She and her SA-born husband Gus, were passionate dancers and made an elegant pair on the dance floor.
In 1964, as political shifts reshaped the region, Daphne and Gus relocated to SA with their three children, Gary, Ingrid and Tony. Together, they built a life rooted in family, faith, and strong values and over the years, the family has grown to include seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Dreyer’s son, Gary, said their upbringing was filled with love, sport and long drives to the coast — memories he will cherish forever.
He said: “Mom gave us what truly matters, love, morals, gratitude, and strength.
“Through the good, the bad and the ugly sides of life, our family stuck together, and that’s because of the foundation she and Dad built for us.”
Gary expressed heartfelt thanks to the community who continue to support his mother in her later years including the staff at Berea Gardens and Lily Kirchmann.
He said: “As a family, we owe all her friends and the staff at Berea Gardens our deepest gratitude for keeping an eye on my mom and making her life worth living.”
Berea Gardens human resources manager Charne Heath said: “It was an honour to be part of this milestone celebration because Daphne brings so much light to our community. Her story is inspiring and her spirit remains strong.
“We are proud to call her one of our own.”
Despite the limitations of age, Dreyer remains a beacon of positivity and connection at Berea Gardens, where she has made many close friendships. Her fellow residents said they are in awe of her strength, both physical and spiritual, as she determinedly faces the challenges of aging with quiet courage.
Her strong belief in God, whom she fondly calls her “Friend,” has been her guiding light through all of life’s seasons.
Heath said Dreyer’s 100th birthday was not only a celebration of her life but also a reminder that living to 100 takes character, humour, and heart.
