Nellie died at the age of 101
She was such a great person and an inspiration to all of her family members.
CORNELIA Elizabeth Pietersen, or “Ouma Nellie”, as she is better known, died on June 14 at the age of 101 years, six months and 16 days. The RECORD featured an article on her on December 29, 2015, where family and friends celebrated her 100th birthday. “I woke up the morning of June 14 and went to her room and saw that she has passed away,” said her granddaughter, Nadine Theron
Ouma Nellie was born in Wolmaransstad in 1915 and was a nurse and seamstress in her professional life. When Ouma Nellie did not want to live in the old age home anymore, Nadine convinced her husband Pierre, to let her live with them, in Meyersdal.
“She always told us to dress to impress and if you feel sick just comb your hair and you will feel better,” said Nadine laughing. “It is very difficult for me to pack up all of her things as I come across old letters and photos – leaving me emotional and it makes it hard to carry on packing her things,” she said.
According to her “Ouma Nellie” was a fun person to be around with. She never complained and she never wanted to be a burden. Ouma Nellie was married at the age of 19 and celebrated 62 wedding anniversaries with her husband before his passing. She had two children (10 years age difference between them), eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren. Ouma Nellie, the matriarch of five generations, could no longer see or hear too well, but at her age, that was not surprising.
She did, however, have a young heart and a warm smile, and she was still active until the day of her death. “I will always remember her and keep her in my heart,” said Veronique Kuit, one of the great-great-grandchildren.
Nadine told the RECORD that the thing that she is going to miss the most of “Ouma Nellie” is her butterfly kisses and her presence. “I believe she is now dancing with my grandfather,” said Nadine.
“Ouma Nellie’s funeral was held on June 27 in Johannesburg and her coffin was placed on top of her belated husband’s.
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