Gran, 99, lives a life of action
THE key to living a long and fruitful life is to remain active, physically as much as mentally and that is coming from someone who just celebrated her 99th birthday.
Rachel Jozzafi – who is better known to all as Aunty Gwennie – was born on September 26 1913 in South End, Port Elizabeth.
She grew up spending time with her dad in De Aar when he used to work on the railway lines.
She now stays in Morningside with her daughter Lynette Ludwick.
" I was very active all the years, up to the age of 94, I stayed by myself. Healthy eating and drinking habits prolong one's life," said Aunty Gwennie about her secret to longevity.
During her working days, Rachel was a seamstress at Uptons, and Curtains and Linens. In addition, she did all the sewing for Collegiate High School, 69 years ago.
Aunty Gwennie said she was a devoted tennis player, as she reminisced about the good old days. She is still madly in love with tennis and cricket - her heroes being Roger Federer and Hashim Amla.
"The highlight of my life was and still is to remain close to and be with my family because nothing is more important than that."
She was one of eight children and has raised nine children of her own, although two have since died. She is blessed with 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Aunty Gwennie has achieved everything that she wanted in her lifetime and is, still to this day; very active to say the least. She is a staunch reader of The Herald which she goes through every morning, constantly keeping tabs on what is happening around her.
"I don't know what I want, I don't look that far forward," said Aunty Gwennie, when asked about plans to celebrate her 100th birthday next year.
Watching tennis and cricket keeps her occupied and admits she still remembers birthdays and anniversaries.