Ma Zim turns 100
On Sunday April 14 the family and friends of Rachel Simmery, 100, gathered at Baron Estate, Ottery to celebrate her life.
Affectionately known as Ma Zim, Ms Simmery, from Tafelsig was surprised her with a pre-birthday party at her Tafelsig home on Saturday April 13, which was sponsored by Liberty Promenade’s Pick n Pay.
Ma Zim was formerly a housekeeper in Parow where she also raised her two children, Rachel Barnabas, 64, and David Charles, 68, for three years. She also worked at the I&J shop in Salt River and at Cape Town City parks and forest in the Lentegeur department in the 80s. She retired at 65.
“Ma Zim loved cooking and preparing her favourite dessert, custard and jelly. She also loves singing and encouraging people. Ma Zim also has a love and passion for people. People would bring their children to be blessed by her, by rubbing newborn babies and helping with their winds,” said her granddaughter, Samantha Fortune.
Her golden rule is to put God first in everything that one does and to honour your parents as well as to always have respect in life, she said.
“She's a remarkable mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is a woman of strength, we love her. She's an amazing God-fearing woman and kind hearted to many in the community of Tafelsig. We love you Ma Zim, a true woman,” said Ms Fortune.
She has 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren.
“As her children we would like to thank Ma Zim for all she has done for us, she is gold,” she said.