Marie Adams PICTURE: Yolinda Walters
Marie Adams was greeted at Christ Church Constantia on Sunday October 2 with loud applause and a hearty version of “Happy Birthday” by the congregation, accompanied by the organ and led by the Archdeacon of Constantia, the Venerable Terry Lester.
Affectionately known as “Aunty Marie”, she was celebrating her 101st birthday. As the longest surviving member of the Christ Church congregation she is regarded as its matriarch.
She was baptised, confirmed and married in the 19th century sandstone church. Like so many others, Aunty Marie’s family was removed from Constantia under apartheid’s Group Areas Act.
She has lived in Retreat for many years. During the Sunday service, her favourite hymn, To God Be The Glory, was sung with gusto in tribute to this gracious and faithful soul.