Val turned 97 on Valentine's Day

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Valerie Murray (née Sheard) is no ordinary 97 year old.

Making it to 97 with the style and zest for life she displays is certainly not ordinary.

She celebrates her birthday on Valentine's Day and has a good old chuckle about it, with her name being Valerie.

Also, she is the proud great-great-granddaughter of the late Reverend Thomas Sheard, who was brought out from England to start the Anglican church in Mossel Bay in 1854.

Val, as she is fondly known, was born and raised in Cape Town and came to live with her son, Mike Keet, about six years ago. Now she is part of a vibrant four generational household, including Mike and his wife Gail, plus her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Photo gallery: 97 on Valentine's Day

"It is a real privilege for the children, since there are different sets of grandparents in this house," Mike chuckles. Mike explains that his mom excelled at creative crafts all her life, whether they were painting, making hats or doing pewter work. "And," he adds proudly, "she is an exceptional gardener."

According to Mike, growing old gracefully is genetic. Both his maternal grandmother and great-grandmother reached a good age and his aunt passed away after her 100th birthday.

When you ask Val what her secret to longevity is, she again chuckles and says: "I don't know."

But Mike seems to have a theory.

"Every day at 17:00, she climbs the 97 steps around the property and she reads five books a week." She also travelled extensively, especially to Europe.

Mike shares his gratitude that in having Val move in with them six years ago, they got to know one another even more.

When asked about the nature of her birthday celebrations, being on Valentine's Day, she gives another hearty chuckle. "Well, I was a bit of a flirt."

Enjoying a kiss from her son, Mike Keet.