Maraval woman dies at 103

Paramin resident Paulina Rivas, 103 years old, died this week. She was born on the 5th July 1900. Up to her final days, she was still very much full of life. According to relatives, she passed away in her sleep. In earlier times, when asked the secret of her long life, she responded that it was due to eating natural foods. She reared her own fowls and ate their eggs along with crops that were grown in her garden. In order to make a living, Paulina would walk from Paramin to the Central Market, to ply her trade  when it was located on Charlotte Street. God played a major role in prolonging her life. As a member of the Maraval Catholic Church, she prayed her rosary every day and brought breakfast to the parish priests. Her one concern about today’s youth was the lack of respect. She blamed parents and she added that it was their responsibility to ensure that the youth learned respect for themselves, their peers and adults. Paulina’s funeral was held August 12, 2003 at the Maraval Church.