Maria Aguiar Celebrates 100th Birthday
Maria Encarnacao Aguiar celebrated her 100th birthday earlier this year, with Premier David Burt visiting her to help mark the milestone.
A spokesperson said, “Premier David Burt visited Mrs. Maria Encarnacao Aguiar on December 8, 2025 to honour her remarkable 100 years of life. Although her birthday was celebrated in March, the Premier met with Mrs. Aguiar at her home to personally extend his congratulations. He presented her with a gift basket and a card on behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda.
“Mrs. Aguiar was born on March 25, 1925 in Fajã de Cima, Ponta Delgada in the Azores. Earlier this year, her milestone birthday was marked with a joyful celebration attended by 100 guests, including Bishop Wes, Father Vivien Neura and Bishop M Neville Smith. Traditional Azorean music filled the room, with the sounds of accordion and guitar bringing her visible joy.
“A notable highlight of her celebration was a framed birthday blessing from the Vatican, signed on behalf of Pope Francis before his passing. The gesture was especially meaningful to Mrs. Aguiar, whose faith has been a guiding force throughout her life.
“She married Joseph Aguiar on March 30, 1950. Together they raised their family in Bermuda, where she has lived since 1950. Mrs. Aguiar helped care for her husband’s three children from his previous marriage and later welcomed two children of her own, Maria Cecilia DaCosta (Michael) and Ronnie Joseph Aguiar (Sheila).
“A committed and hardworking member of the community, Mrs. Aguiar worked as a domestic employee for the Watlington and Lang family until age 88. She stepped back from work only after breaking her hip while on holiday in Florida. Her determination through recovery impressed her medical team and she continued strength-building activities at home.
“In 2021, Mrs. Aguiar moved in with her son Ronnie and his wife Sheila, who support her daily care and ensure she remains active in the home. She is known for her sharp humour and spirited personality. Even at 99, she showed her strong will, once giving her grandson William a black eye while resisting her medication. Although she can no longer attend church services in person, she remains devoted to her faith and receives communion at home from her son-in-law Michael.
“Mrs. Aguiar is the proud matriarch of a close and loving family that includes her two children, Maria Cecilia DaCosta and Ronnie Joseph Aguiar, along with two grandsons, two great granddaughters, and an extended family of step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren who continue to cherish her guidance and presence.
Premier Burt said he enjoyed visiting Mrs. Aguiar and her family to recognise this milestone. “Reaching 100 years is a significant accomplishment. Mrs. Aguiar has dedicated her life to her loved ones and to this community. It is clear she is cherished and supported by a family who adores her. We celebrate her strength, her faith and the contributions she has made over many decades in Bermuda.”
The spokesperson said, “The Government of Bermuda extends warm wishes to Mrs. Aguiar and her family as they continue to honour a life defined by resilience, devotion and love.”
