‘Legends Of Longevity’ Honours Centenarians
Bermuda CableVision has teamed up with Age Concern, Bermuda’s advocacy organisation for the needs of older adults, to recognise and celebrate Bermuda seniors who have reached the milestone of 100 years of age.
To celebrate these remarkable centenarians, they are launching a new programme called ‘Legends of Longevity’ specifically to honour them.
The new initiative began with a “High Tea” party at Elbow Beach last Sunday [Mar 29], featuring Andrew Chamberlain performing on the piano, as well as tea, cakes and sandwiches provided by Café Lido.
CableVision’s CEO and several of the company’s employees and managers attended the High Tea, along with a photographer to record the moment. They were joined by Mrs. Doris Corbin of Pembroke, who is 103. In addition, CableVision will be showing video of the event and the four outstanding centenarians on its Channel 99.
Three of Bermuda’s centenarians were honoured at the celebratory event, including Myrtle Elizabeth Edness [born July 17, 1914], Muriel Imogene Lawrence [born March 27, 1915], and Ruth Ann Marie Simons [born January 17, 1915].
A spokesperson said, “Mrs Edness was married to Arnold James Edness [now deceased] and they were for many years owners of the A.J. Edness Grocery Store. She and her husband had two children – Maureen Edness Eddy, and Alan Edness – as well as three grandchildren. Myrtle Edness is a member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Warwick.
“Among her contributions to the community, Mrs Edness was a member of the Girl Guide organisation of Heron Bay, the Socratic Literary Club, of which she is a past Secretary and President and the Samaritan Lodge, where she served as Secretary. She has also been a volunteer at the Masterworks Museum.
“Mrs Lawrence was employed for many years as a chambermaid at the Coral Beach and Tennis Club. Her six children are alive today. Their names are: Enid Whitter; Rudolph Lawrence, Marvin Lawrence; Freda Nusum; Judith Lawrence and Dawn Ingrid DeSilva.”
“Together, they gave Mrs Lawrence 23 grandchildren. Mrs Lawrence is a member of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hamilton Parish.
Standing [back row]: Rollin Nathan of CableVision & Claudette Fleming, Executive Director, Age Concern Bermuda. Seated [from left]: Mrs. Doris Corbin, age 103, Mrs. Myrtle Edness, age 100, Mrs. Ruth Simons, age 100, and Ms. Muriel Lawrence, age 100
“Mrs Simons’ marriage to her late husband Arthur produced six children: three sons – Arthur Jr., Gilmon and Coleman – and three daughters – Pamela Tucker, Florence Simons and Brenda Warren.
“Today, Mrs Simons has sixteen grandchildren. In addition to her duties as mother and homemaker, she was formerly employed as a waitress at Horse ‘n Buggy Restaurant, Buckaroo and Sea Venture. Mrs Simons is a member of Praise Palace Church of God of Prophecy and the Sukinah Worship Centre.”
Claudette Fleming, Director of Age Concern, said, “We are grateful to CableVision for working with us to honour these important elders in our community. The high tea event has provided two very important opportunities for us.
“The first is to acknowledge Age Concern’s cornerstone and lifetime members who have made significant contributions to Age Concern through previous service or support of our work in the community.
“The second opportunity is to launch a collaborative effort with CableVision that will continue throughout the year to celebrate those turning 100 years old in our community.
“We recognise that with all that takes place in our everyday lives we can often forget the role that the generations before us have played in creating the Bermuda that we now enjoy.
“We are excited about our partnership with CableVision as a television medium. Our desire is that this partnership will prove instrumental in reacquainting the general public to the treasures of our past so that we might all be greater stewards of our future.”
Rollin Nathan of CableVision said, “We thank Age Concern for their outstanding work on behalf of Bermuda seniors, and for bringing to our attention these amazing ‘Legends of Longevity.’ They show us so much about life itself, what is important, and how vital they are to the fabric of our society.
“CableVision is a company that focuses on and treasures the family, and we are proud to honour these special ladies and show them our gratitude for the wisdom and love they have spread in their families and in our community throughout the years.”
100 and not out!
Well done ladies on your milestone.
A happy marriage through it’s up’s and downs and just caring can lead to a long and wonderful life.
Shalom.