Celebrating Grandma Maria: 93 years of faith and family
Surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Portland resident Maria Nelson celebrated her 93rd birthday with loved ones at her home on Monday February 23.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Portland resident Maria Nelson celebrated her 93rd birthday at her home, marking a life defined by faith, family and resilience.
Affectionately known as Grandma Maria, 93, she welcomed the Plainsman on Monday February 23 and reflected on a lifetime spent across several Cape Flats communities.
Born in Rylands, she later lived in Surrey Estate, where she married, and in Heideveld before moving to Portland in Mitchell’s Plain in 1982, where she has lived ever since.
She remembers her late parents as strong influences in her life.
“They always taught me to be obedient,” she said.
From left are Carmen Koopman, grandchild, Johanna Bezuidenhout, eldest daughter, Maria Nelson, Colleen Jacobs, daughter and Charl Bezuidenhout, eldest grandchild.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Although she devoted most of her life to raising her family, Grandma Maria said she worked Prima Toys in Epping, working with dolls for a while.
When asked how she has reached 93, she smiled. “I still feel young — it’s just my legs,” she said.
Grandma Maria said she was once known for her cooking, especially sago pudding, guavas and custard.
Her daughter, Johanna Bezuidenhout, 72, said her mother’s kitchen was the heart of the home.
“She loved stamp mielies and boentjie kos (samp and beans), pens en potjie (tripe and trotters). She made soup and baked bread for us,” she said.
Grandson Charl Bezuidenhout said Grandma Maria is the last surviving sibling among four brothers and four sisters. She raised nine children, three of whom have died, and her family has grown to 35 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Faith remains central to her life, she said. She belongs to the Old Apostolic Church of Africa in Portland and is its oldest member. She and her late husband served as Sunday school teachers and remain respected figures in the church community.
Her family believes her healthy lifestyle and strong values contributed to her longevity. She never smoked or drank and continues to encourage younger generations to respect their parents.
Her birthday ended with tea and cake shared among family — a simple celebration reflecting a legacy of love, unity and faith.
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