Siparia’s Louvinia going strong at 100

SIPARIA resident Louvinia Bernard had much to be happy about yesterday, when she celebrated her 100th birthday and was lavished with gifts and lots of love from her family. Bernard, who lived most of her life at Coora Road in Siparia, celebrated her birthday in grand style but still found time to thank the Almighty for giving her such longevity. In a brief interview with Newsday, she attributed her long life to having steadfast faith in and commitment to God. “He gave me life and is the reason for me being alive today. All praises to him,” the frail old woman said.

With a broad smile, Bernard said she expected to have “a few more years” to look forward to, but is ready whenever “the Father calls me.” Born in 1904 at Mayo, Bernard moved to Siparia at the age of five. She grew up in Siparia, got married and continues to live there. She is well known to everyone in the community and has outlived one of her five children and husband, whom she was married to for over 65 years. She is the grandmother of six, great-grandmother of 11 and great-great grandmother of four. After the celebrations, Benard attended a thanksgiving Mass held in her honour which was officiated by Fr Stephen Doyle of the Siparia Roman Catholic Church.