Bonteheuwel is in mourning after its oldest resident, Dorothy Agnes Roman, passed away two weeks shy of her 102nd birthday.
Mama Doris, who was known as a stalwart and active roleplayer in her community, died late on Monday night following complications brought on by a bladder and kidney infection.
Teary-eyed family members gathered at Mama Doris’ home yesterday where they reflected on her love for people as well as her local church.
The family had been looking forward to celebrating her birthday on 20 August, but now the “life of the party”, as she was known, is no more.
Granddaughter Bronwyn Leeman, 34, says everything changed on 17 July when she was admitted to hospital for treatment of a bladder and kidney infection.
“When she returned home at the end of July, she could no longer speak and was bedridden,” she says.
Bronwyn says they had already prepared for the worst at that time: “We are not particularly shocked by her death because we saw this coming.”
She says her ouma was very active, enjoyed reading and especially arcade car games.
“She used to walk about, up until she got sick last month, and her memory was spot-on considering her old age,” says Bronwyn.
Bonteheuwel Ward Councillor Angus McKenzie was also there to pay his respects.
He said Mama Doris was as fit as a fiddle, and always ready to share one of her many stories.
She had moved to Bonteheuwel during the early 1960s and was actively involved in improving conditions in her gang-stricken area.
McKenzie says: “She’s been in Bonteheuwel since the early stages, and is leaving now during a time that we are experiencing so much positive change. I’m sure she’s seen the good, the bad and the ugly.
“It’s very, very sad for us, but there is more gratitude and pride in knowing she was a legend who silently went about doing what she needed to do.
Doris, who originally hails from Goodwood, provided for her family by working as a domestic worker.
She had 11 children (seven of whom are still alive), 31 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great-grandchildren.
The date for a memorial service will be announced some in the coming week, while her close friends and family will be laying her to rest on Saturday, 15 August, at the Bonteheuwel Baptist Church.
lizell.persens@inl.co.za