Mani celebrates 100th birthday at Resthaven

Resthaven Westbourne Park resident, Mrs Manonmani (Mani) Krishnappa, was born on 21 November 1921, in the town of Seremban, Malaysia.

The second eldest of eight siblings, Mani was born into a Hindu family.

‘Despite my religion, I went to a convent-run school, and lived through the Japanese occupation of Malaya – I have a lot of stories from what I saw during that time,’ Mani says.

As was the way then, women were ‘married off’, instead of seeking a profession.

‘I married a dental specialist, and, in the early years, enjoyed playing tennis and the social life in a British-run administration.’

‘I learnt the violin and enjoyed playing the piano, encouraging my two children to take up music.’

Mani developed a passion for travel and went abroad at every opportunity.

‘In 1958, I took the children by steamer from Ceylon to the Tilbury Docks near London, to join my husband, who was completing his post-graduate in Oral Pathology.’

‘We just loved it – luxury not seen on cruise liners nowadays.’

‘My husband and I took the opportunity to travel the globe together once the children were older.’

When her husband retired from public service and went into private practice, Mani played the role of dental receptionist.

‘It gave me joy to earn my own money, and I met many interesting people outside of my usual circle.’

‘It wasn’t long before I went back into a nurturing role, looking after my grandson as a second-mum. I have always enjoyed parenthood, and was glad to become an active grandma!’

After having a fall in 2012, she went to live with her son and daughter-in-law, and Jasper the mini-poodle, who became Mani’s constant companion.

Mani moved into Resthaven Westbourne Park in February 2017.

‘I sometimes revert to speaking in Malay but am fortunate to have a couple of staff at Resthaven who speak Malay and Tamil – it makes me feel at home here.’

We wish Mani all the best for her milestone birthday!

Established in 1935, Resthaven is a South Australian not-for-profit aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church in Australia.

Every day, Resthaven shares the lives and wisdom of older people and their carers, opening doors to the full range of aged care service options available.

Services are provided throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Fleurieu Peninsula, lower Barossa region and the Limestone Coast of South Australia.