Rachel Dehal Celebrates Her 96th Birthday Surrounded by Family and Love

On Thursday, 1 May 2025, the Dehal residence in Lotusville, Verulam was filled with warmth and celebration as family and close friends gathered to honour the 96th birthday of Rachel Dehal. The day was made even more special with the presence of her great-grandson, Joshua Brauns, who had travelled from Gauteng to celebrate his 20th birthday alongside his great-grandmother, creating a joyful moment that spanned generations.

The occasion was one of deep family connection, filled with laughter, storytelling, and generous helpings of food Rachel herself had requested-crab curry, Cornish chicken, curried prawns, and grilled prawns. These dishes, lovingly prepared, were a nod to her legendary cooking, which has delighted hundreds over the years. Known for her exceptional culinary skills, Rachel is often described as someone whose food, once tasted, is never forgotten.

Throughout the day, she received phone calls from loved ones across the globe-from Australia, Canada, London, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi-each one a reminder of the many lives she has touched and the respect she continues to command across generations and continents.

Born the fifth child of educator Samson Choonoo and his wife Nellie, Rachel's life began under difficult circumstances. When she was just three months old, her mother tragically drowned while washing her nappies in the Umhloti River. Raised in the absence of her mother, Rachel grew into a woman of strength, humility, and faith. She married Joseph "Joe" Dehal, a respected local tailor who later ran a general dealer business. Their marriage was one of love and partnership until his passing at the age of 60. Rachel was 47 when she was widowed and faced the challenge of raising their children with quiet determination and grace.

Together, Rachel and Joe had nine children, two of whom passed away in early childhood. Her surviving children-Rene (74), Augustine (73), Lydia (72), Simon (70), Cyril (67), Sherine (64), and Marlene (60)-along with fifteen grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, are a testament to the life she built and nurtured. Remarkably, the combined ages of Rachel and her seven surviving children total 575 years.

Her lineage carries a proud spiritual legacy. Her paternal ancestors, the Choonoos, were Christian missionaries who came from India and Mauritius. That missionary spirit lives on in Rachel, who has always held strong godly values and has led a life rooted in love, faith, humility, and service. She firmly believes that serving God means serving people-especially the poor, the overlooked, and the underprivileged. Her generosity, compassion, and open-handedness have made her a pillar of strength to not only her family but to many in the community.

Rachel gives thanks to God for the long life she has been granted, for the love of a hardworking husband, and for the devotion of her children, grandchildren, and friends-both near and far. She continues to offer comfort and encouragement to others, even as she watches the changing tides of the world with concern. She often speaks of the crime, injustice, and unrest that trouble her, but she is not fearful. With calm resolve, she points to biblical prophecy and affirms her belief that in time, goodness will prevail.

Her family expresses their deep gratitude to God for her long life and the abundance of blessings she has given them. They speak of her with reverence and love, mindful of the countless sacrifices she has made and the unwavering devotion she continues to show. At 96, Rachel Dehal remains not only the matriarch of a large and loving family but a woman whose life reflects a legacy of faith, strength, and service.