A good life at 100
IN her journey of 100 years, Sally Hearnden has faced years of love, loss, sadness and happiness.
Originally from Jeffreys Bay, Hearnden, moved to South End, Port Elizabeth, at the tender age of 19, where she met her late husband, Fred Fern.
Making a living through art, Hearnden ensured that her talents were not used to benefit just herself but those less fortunate as well.
"Art has always been a passion of mine, selling my art is how I made my income. My husband and I also used to auction off shell work which we did together.
"But now I work for charities like Idle Hands in Gelvandale, my church and any other organisations that need help. I love people and the Lord has blessed me with a talent which can help me help them, so that is exactly what I do," Hearnden said.
The great-grandmother of six, grandmother of nine and mother of three says that nothing irritates her more than being idle.
"Everything I think of, I just get up and do. I do my own washing and clean the house. I love baking and painting as well. My children are constantly trying to get me to sit still. They don't want me to do stuff. But I just can't sit still.
"At times I bake for the elderly at Gelvandale Frail Care. Then I just walk down and deliver the goods to them. They are a little too old and frail to walk that far," laughed Hearnden said.
The centenarian made sure that she did not waste any of her time. Hearnden has travelled the country and the world in search of beauty and foreign customs.
"Initially women weren't allowed to own vehicles, but as soon as we could, I got one. I loved traveling, so together with my family I explored our beautiful country in the mid-'50s. And during the 1970s I went over to Europe twice and to Australia.
"Having seen the world, I can't say I have any regrets in my life. The wonders I have seen and experienced overshadow the negative aspects," Hearnden said.