The 103-year-old Cape Town granny who crept into the hearts of many has died.

Ma Agnes Bezuidenhoudt, from Kenilworth, who has been dubbed the most glamorous granny in the Cape died on Monday morning, June 16. 

Ma Agnes was known as the fashionista in the family and would never be seen without her pearls.

Speaking to IOL, her great-granddaughter, Robyn Dirks, said while the family is sad about their grandmother’s passing, they find solace in knowing they spent as much time with her as possible. 

“Old age got to her, but Ma passed at home silently through the night. My aunt was lying next to her. Paramedics declared her deceased when they got to the house at 12.57 am. We are grateful for the full and beautiful long life she spent with all of us,” Dirks said. 

She had 15 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

Recently, the family has been struck by death. 

Ma Agnes’ son died two months ago, and her daughter-in-law last week. 

Mercia Bezuidenhoudt, the youngest of five siblings, lived with her mother and announced the passing on social media, as so many people fell in love with Ma Agnes. 

“Mom, all your pain is gone forever. You are in heaven with Daddy, Gerald, Nella, your parents, and siblings. I was sitting right next to you with the light on, and I did not even know that you slipped away.

“I am very sad and heartbroken, but God, in his mercy, gave me peace in my heart. Thank you, Lord, for the privilege I had to care for Mom in her illness. Rest in peace, my beautiful Queen. I had precious times with you. And what a privilege that was.  You had style and pizzaz [sic]”

Originally from Kimberley, Ma Agnes and her late husband moved to Cape Town 53 years ago. The love of her life, whom she was married to for 56 years, died in 1976.

During her earlier years, she worked in a factory where ammunition was made for the Navy. She also started as a volunteer for the Western Cape Blood Service, eventually working full-time, and she retired after 20 years at 75.

Her famous phrases include “on top of the world, like a rose on the bush” and “as sure as the Lord made little green apples”.

Ma Agnes, who was always as fit as a fiddle, said this was due to her sporting activities when she was younger. 

Previously, Ma Agnes told IOL her secret to a simple life was living by five rules:

– Live one day at a time

– Thank the good Lord above

– Live it to the full

– Live healthy

– Live happily

“You don’t need anything else. Just live and praise God. Praise God in your own quiet way.

“Also, just be loving towards people, there is enough hate and jealousy in the world. Just be kind,” she said. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL

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