Three centenarians celebrate their birthdays

Three centenarians – two women and a man – celebrated their birthdays at the weekend.

Mrs AgrippineRosalia Agrippine of Foret Noire and Edward Dick of Les Mamelles turned 100 on Friday and Saturday respectively, whereas Julia Rosine from the district of Au Cap celebrated her 102nd birthday on Friday.

Mrs Agrippine celebrated her birthday at her home in a short ceremony which started with prayers and songs.

Also present was Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, who also heads the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.

Others who joined in the celebration were district administrator Flavie Laporte, members of the district’s senior citizens group, her sisters and other family members.

Born on July 8, 1911, Mrs Agrippine lives with her two younger sisters. Before moving to Foret Noire, Mrs Agrippine, who comes from a family of seven, lived at Belvedere.

She earned a living by washing and ironing other people’s clothes. She married at an early age but had no children. Her husband died at the age of 46.

She was presented with a medal and a shield by Mr Meriton.

As for Mrs Rosine, who celebrated her 102nd birthday on Friday, she was decked out in aMrs Rosine flowery button down dress humming to herself.

The centenarian appeared genuinely overjoyed to be celebrating yet another birthday and was surrounded by friends and family as well as the Au Cap District Administrator, Murielle Marie.

“I am extremely happy to be able to celebrate my 102nd birthday,” she said.

“I feel great apart from a few aches and pains here and there which is to be expected.”

Mrs Rosine talked about her younger years when she was fitter and more agile and added that, back then, husking and gathering coconuts was a daily routine for her.

She also said throughout her life, she has never touched a cigarette or a drink and attributes that to why she feels so good at such an advanced age.

Mrs Rosine was in full cheer and could not seem to stop herself from laughing at all the attention she was receiving; being wheelchair bound did not seem to affect her one way or another and one of her relatives, Steveie Volcy, described her adopted grandmother as a strong and independent woman despite her age.

After all the guests had sung happy birthday and Mrs Rosine had cut her cake, she was presented with a centenarian medal by a representative of the Au Cap senior citizens group.

The oldest senior citizen in Les Mamelles district, Mr Dick celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday with family and friends.

His birthday bash took place at the Les Mamelles community centre in the presence of Daniel Frichot, the community development director general.

Mr DickMr Dick, who was a cook, was born on July 9, 1911.

He has spent most of his life working on vessels where he got the chance to visit many islands. Six of his children were born in Diego Garcia. Altogether he has 10 children of his own – 4 males and 6 females -- and two adopted sons.

Mr Dick, who still looks fresh, has 26 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, 41 great great grandchildren. He thanked his family for being there for him and for taking care of him.

During the ceremony, which was also marked by a mass, the centenarian received the oldest citizen medal.

From the year 2000 onwards five males have celebrated their 100th birthday or more – the eldest being Florestan Mussard of Pointe Larue who passed away in 2005 at the age of 108.

Meanwhile President James Michel has sent birthday wishes to the centenarians, wishing them the best of health and thanking them for their contribution to society.

Source: NATION 7-12-11