She’s seen the invention of television, cellphones, computers, microwave ovens and the internet.
In her lifetime people have gone to space, World War II took place and Apartheid has ended.
Daphne Petersen (102) is literally older than sliced bread (which was invented in 1928).
This great-grandmother from Glenhaven turned 102 last week, surrounded by family and friends.
A musician played some familiar music and the family received Holy Communion from her Priest, Father Craig Abraham.
Daphne, who was born on 15 February 1920 in Knysna, says her key to staying young is working hard and not staying awake much later than the sun sets.
She’s had a full life.
Her father, John Meyer, was a stonemason in Knysna and helped build the castle at Noetzie.
She was the second of 10 children.
Only her younger sister, Ilse, is still alive. All of her siblings, besides her two sisters, were teachers who married teachers.
She attended Zonnebloem College and then started working as a teacher at St James EC School in 1938 when she was only 17 years old.
She later married George “Archie” Petersen, the school’s principal.
The couple had five children, Valerie, Martin, Cheryl, David and Chris. Two others, Llewellyn and Alice, died in infancy.
She also has five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Archie was drafted to World War II quite soon after their wedding and upon his return he started studying at the University of Cape Town.
She supported the family with her salary as teacher.
Daphne lives with Chris who says he loves her more “the older she gets”.
“It’s a blessing for me to do anything that needs to be done.”
She still watches the news and does crosswords, but says it’s increasingly difficult to see.
