HUMANSDORP – After more than two decades of compassionate care and unwavering dedication, Matron Riekie Anker officially retired from Ons Tuiste Humansdorp on 30 September, leaving behind a legacy that has touched countless lives at the retirement village.
Her passion for seniors began as a young girl when she slept over at widowed women’s homes so that they did not have to sleep alone at night.
This early calling to care for others would shape her extraordinary 54-year nursing career, which now comes to an end with her retirement.
Anker’s departure was marked by two heartfelt farewell celebrations, one with residents on 26 September, and another with the management team on her final day.
She said that the surprise nature of these gatherings left her deeply moved.
“I cannot describe the feeling I felt when I walked into the farewell party. I am humbled,” said Anker.
“The residents and staff are like family to me.”
Anker’s journey to Ons Tuiste began 21 years ago when she left her position at Huis Najaar, a retirement village in Despatch where she had worked for nine years.
Her motivation for the move was simple, to be closer to the sea.
Throughout her nursing career, Anker was drawn to the unique rewards of working with senior residents.
“One of the many experiences I enjoyed was listening to the many stories that the seniors shared every day,” said Anker.
Her dedication to the profession runs deep.
“If I could do life again, I would be a nurse again. Even though I have retired, I will always remain a nurse,” said Anker.
She said that she will miss both the staff and residents, with all of whom she has a good relationship.
Despite stepping away from her professional role, Anker’s connection to Ons Tuiste remains strong.
“I will always be a part of Ons Tuiste, even though I am no longer there,” said Anker.
Martie Zeelie, Manager of Ons Tuiste, said that Anker was strict as a Matron but also fair.
She further said that her knowledge of medication, wound care and nursing in general was phenomenal.
“We always said she knew so much about illness and treatments, she should’ve been a doctor,” said Zeelie.
Highlighting her extraordinary work ethic, she said that Anker started work very early, at 06:15 every day, to take the report from the night shift and do rounds at residents’ rooms.
She also worked late and came in after hours when emergencies occurred.
Beyond her clinical duties, Anker’s care extended to every aspect of the facility.
“She was constantly worried about all residents’ well-being. She assisted with fundraising and crocheted beautiful tablecloths for fundraising. She also took personal responsibility for renovating chairs’ upholstery,” said Zeelie.
“She will be missed for her dedication and unselfishness, giving everything to the job. Her many years of experience at Ons Tuiste are a great loss and we will all miss her dearly.”
Zeelie said that Anker’s farewell was a celebration of the new chapter in her life but was also very emotional as she left 21 years behind.
As Anker transitions into retirement, she plans to embrace a slower pace of life.
“Some of my plans for retirement include being home, enjoying needlework and doing things I previously did not have time to do,” said Anker.
“I want to thank everyone who believed in me and I want to thank Ons Tuiste. Everything in my life happened by the grace of God.”
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