Esmie Herft celebrates her 100th birthday. – By Charles Schokman
A TRIBUTE
“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Our Mum Esmie Marie Audrey Scharenguivel was born on 16th June 1923 in Dehiwela, a hamlet to the south of the capital, Colombo. The youngest and only daughter of Lucy (Clements) and Christian Scharenguivel. She had three brothers, Frederick (Fritz), Algernon (Algie), and Peter (Tony).
She began her education at Presbyterian Girls School in Dehiwela and at Form 1 moved to Methodist College Colombo 3 in 1934, until she completed her matriculation examination.
The Principals during her time were Miss Choate (1894-1905 and 1912- 1937) and Miss Helen Park (1939-1943), the Vice Principal was Miss Shire. Esmie remembers that her last teacher in the senior form was Miss Gladys Loos, a beloved figure for older generations of Methodist girls.
The College House she belonged to was Scott House, whose motto was “ Play the Game”. She represented it in netball, playing in the position of center.
She sang in the choir, which was compulsory for all students. Esmie learned to play the piano under the tutelage of Miss Harmer.
Her close friends in College were Barbara Jansz, Ithali Gunawardene, Wai Fong Pakstun, and Celia Fernando, who resided in a house next to the school. Esmie recalls wth great fondness these friendships, particularly with Barbara Jansz with whom she continued her friendship in Australia.
On completing her education she was employed by the Ceylon Reports Centre during the war and later employed as a Corporal with the Ceylon Artillery.
She met a Prince Charming Richard (Dicky) Herft who was serving in the British Army based in Ceylon. She married in 1946 and had four children Romanie, Roger, Robin and Marian. Esmie’s husband died young. After his death, Esmie worked at the Ceylon Bible Society until 1985 when she retired to immigrate to Australia
Happy 100th Birthday Mum.
Romanie, Roger, Robin & Marian
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A TRIBUTE FROM CHARLES SCHOKMAN
Wishing you all the best on this special day, (16th June 2023). Here’s to an incredible century of memories and experiences! You have done more than most people could ever dream, and are such an inspiration to your family and friends.
I’m so grateful to have you cross my path and I cherish every moment I spent with you.
Was it a coincident or Devine Intervention?
It was sometime ago when my wife Claudette and I spent a holiday in Sri Lanka that we met Esmie for the first time.
This was at the Ceylon Bible Society Bookshop, down Galle road, Colombo 3. It so happened; whilst I was browsing through some books the lady next to me inquired (like all Sri Lankans do) whether I was a Sri Lankan. In response I said yes, but now a resident of Australia on holiday in Sri Lanka. This led us to a lengthy conversation. I could see the glow in her face when she inquired the date I was leaving, the name of the Airline and flight details. Having doubled checked this with me in amazement she replied this couldn’t be true that I am on the same flight with you. She then went on to explain her fear & anxiety to travel alone and was praying that God would see her through this flight. Overhearing this conversation Claudette assured her that we would meet her at the Airport. She replied, surely you are a God sent.
When the day arrived we were introduced to her daughter Romanie and we accompanied her on this flight
My family and I too had the privilege to celebrate our mum’s 100th birthday and it was truly a happy and memorable event.
Not many get this opportunity so lap it all up and be thankful to God for His blessings.
Have a great day
