Beloved Newlands East ‘Grand Old Lady’ Alice Fernandez Dies at 106

The grand old lady of Newlands East in Durban, known for her love of newspapers and her habit of breaking into song at any opportunity, has died at the age of 106.

Alice Joan Fernandez — affectionately known as Granny Alice and regarded as the “queen” of her community — passed away on Tuesday, just a month short of her 107th birthday.

Fernandez’s life and longevity were frequently celebrated in local newspapers, whenever she reached a milestone birthday. In previous interviews, she shared one of her secrets to a long life: “Live life being happy and do not be sorrowful.”

Despite her advanced age, Fernandez remained sharp and independent. She took pride in being able to read novels and watch television without the aid of reading glasses and often expressed deep love and gratitude for her family and grandchildren.

One of her favourite songs was I’m Sitting on Top of the World, performed by Aretha Franklin and released in 1962.

Fernandez is survived by three of her five daughters — two predeceased her — as well as 19 grandchildren and more than 30 great-grandchildren.

Born in Durban, she grew up at St Philomena’s Children’s Home on the Berea and later lived with her parents on Sydenham Road. After getting married, she moved to Booth Avenue in Sydenham before settling in Newlands East in 1979.

In her younger years, Fernandez worked at a clothing factory before joining her father, Nelson, in his tailor shop, A.S. Fernandez, on Pine Street — now known as Monty Naicker Road.

Community member Shaeida Daniels described Fernandez as the heart of Newlands East.

“I was shattered. However, she is in a better place and smiling down on us,” Daniels said. “We say farewell to our queen of Newlands East. We are broken, and you will be truly missed by many. I am grateful that I got to see you, hold you, hear you sing and share your beautiful stories.”

eThekwini Ward 11 councillor Alan Peterson announced Fernandez’s passing to the broader community via his WhatsApp groups on Wednesday.

“One will miss her presence greatly,” Peterson said. “Knowing everything I fought for in the ward, I was always mindful that we had a 106-year-old resident who needed basic services to be delivered.”

He added that Fernandez often served as his motivation, particularly when parts of the ward were affected by service delivery challenges.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to the Fernandez family,” Peterson said. “She had so much knowledge and wisdom and loved the community, especially the children. May her precious soul rest in peace.”

DAILY NEWS