Issie celebrates 100 years

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Louisa (Issie) Theron celebrated her 100th birthday on 19 February.

Issie was born in Loxton in 1922. This young farm girl had a significant impact on the academic and creative life of the Graaff-Reinet community.

While studying at the Graaff-Reinet Teacher Training College, young Issie met Pieter Theron. Their romance blossomed.

Issie went on to teach in Gqeberha (PE) but soon returned and in 1944 the couple got married. Marilyn Theron, Issie's daughter-in-law, says, "Pieter adored her."

A dynamic, community-centred creative and a great organiser, Issie was also a gifted teacher. While teaching at Volkskool, she continued her studies through Unisa, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. She went on to teach drama at the GRT Teacher Training College. And it is in drama, that Issie's passion lies.

During her life, she has produced many a play and a particular tour-de-force was the production of Dougie de la Harp's China Bell, written in a German concentration camp during WW2.

In the 1950s, Issie produced the play with a cast of locals at the town hall. "It was an absolutely wow for Graaff-Reinet," says Marilyn.

Years later the couple's only son Piet, who was active in the Graaff-Reinet Round Table, approached his mother to restage the production. This she did with aplomb, again using locals - the Round Table members. She was in her 60s.

Issie and Pieter lived in Cypress Grove, the garden was another one of Issie's passions. Issie would cut the couple's gorgeous blooms to create church bouquets - "much to the annoyance of her husband," notes Marilyn with a laugh.

In 1994, after Pieter's death, Issie moved to the family's seaside cottage at Cape St Francis, living alone with her dog. Here she continued her active engagement with the community.

It was only after a stroke at the age of ninety that the family managed to persuade this independent, community-spirited woman to return to Graaff-Reinet.

In her 80s Issie's contribution to language and theatre in South Africa was acknowledged with an award received at the Feathermarket Hall in Gqeberha.

Issie Theron celebrated her 100th birthday, surrounded by family and friends. Photo: Judy Theron