Dulcie (sitting, centre) celebrating her 99th birthday with some of her children and grandchildren last year.
To LIVE to be a hundred is surely one of life’s great milestones; but to turn a century old with a life marked by a legacy of integrity and strong family ties must definitely be a gift worth celebrating.
Dulcie Geraldine Danker is one of those fortunate ones who has tapped into the secret of longevity as she turns 100 next week.
Born on July 10, 1923, in historic Melaka city, Dulcie is the second of five siblings and a Eurasian of Portuguese and Chinese descent.
She married Herman Edward Danker, a dentist running his own clinic, in 1943 in Singapore.
In 1951, they moved to then Malaya and her late husband went on to become a government officer.
Herman Edward and Dulcie’s wedding in 1943.
The couple lived in various states before ultimately settling down in Klang, Selangor.
Her eldest child, Herman Elvan Danker, 79, is grateful for Dulcie’s good health.
“Until this day, my mother remains vibrant and healthy, without the need for any medications.
“Throughout her life, she has enjoyed a diverse diet, relishing everything life has to offer.
“It’s truly remarkable that she has lived such a long life.
“It could be attributed to genetics, considering my grandmother also reached the age of 100,” he said.
It was only when she turned 80 that Dulcie faced a minor setback, requiring a hip replacement following a fall.
She currently resides at a private nursing home in Bukit Gasing, Petaling Jaya.
In her heyday, Herman Elvan said she was a social butterfly, popular among the Klang community and known for her active lifestyle.
Dulcie with son Herman Elvan. — Photo: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
“My mother, who was a housewife, had a passion for baking, particularly cakes.
“Occasionally, she used her love for baking to generate some extra income,” he said.
Her cake-making skills gained her quite a reputation and she had lots of orders, especially for her birthday cakes.
Herman Elvan said his mother enjoys spending time with friends.
“From time to time, she meets up with friends for breakfast and also does church volunteer work,” he said.
Having lived through World War II, Dulcie observed a striking difference in people’s perspective on life then and now.
“Back then, people had modest expectations and acted out of necessity rather than desire,” she recalled.
When asked about her happiest memory, Dulcie revealed that nothing brought her greater joy than being with her family, especially her children.
“Being surrounded by my beloved children is when I experience true happiness and my heart feels complete,” she said.
With nine children (four of whom predeceased her), 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, many of whom are living abroad, Dulcie acknowledged that she had lived a full life and valued the close family bonds above all else.
Sharing some of her wisdom gained over the past 100 years, Dulcie observed that today’s world has become increasingly complex.
“Back then, we faced each hurdle as it came, never prioritising the accumulation of wealth.
“As long as we had our family and a safe, comfortable home, everything was perfect.”
Dulcie advised today’s younger generation to prioritise maintaining a positive relationship with family, even during challenging times.
“In the end, our family is our safe place.
“We may not be able to trust everyone, but we should always trust and rely on our family to support us,” she said.
Dulcie also said to let honesty be one’s compass in all interactions and express gratitude to God for every blessing each day.
“For me, that is the key to living a long and fulfilling life.”
