Ouma Miena turns 100: A century of memories and love

IT WAS A special day for Wilmiena Johanna Koeries who celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and family at a grand gathering in Observatory on Saturday.

- MARSHA DEAN

Koeries, affectionately known as Ouma Miena, was born on July 31, 1925, and is originally from Garden Village in Maitland.

At 100, Koeries is still in good health, well spoken and with the memory of an elephant.

She said making it to a century comes as a surprise to her.

“Tam amazed at myself for being 100 years old. I cannot believe that I reached that age. I think it is because I don't live a stressful life. I don’t smoke or drink”

Koeries had six children, two of whom have died.

She enjoys her 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.