Saint Lucia, Caribbean: Saint Lucia’s latest centenarian is Saltibus, Choiseul resident Leoncia McFarlane aka Mavrencia McFarlane, according to an update shared by Saint Lucia Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment. Born on March 8, 1923, she is the firstborn of Torrence Monrose and Eloise Elizee-Monrose.
As per the update, she and her two deceased siblings, Royle and Henry Monrose attended the River Doree Primary school. At age 30, her youngest brother, Henry, got an opportunity to migrate to England, but instead, he gave that opportunity to his sister Leoncia. In England, she worked for 30 years as an Office Caretaker. During her time overseas, she met and married Nelius McFarlane from Desruisseaux. After their retirement in 1983, Leoncia and her husband returned to Saint Lucia and lived in Saltibus, where they had built a home.
Her husband died, followed by her younger brother, Henry and then her elder brother, Royle. Among the three siblings, only Henry had children, eight (to be exact, who continue to care for her. Leoncia embraced Henry’s eight children as her own, and at age 100, she relates very well with them and knows each one by name.
The Ministry further informed Leoncia enjoys reading and watching television. To this day, she continues to cook her favourite one-pot meal with ripe plantains and chicken. She enjoys pumpkin soup and sweet snacks and gives a broad smile or a very hearty laugh when she receives gifts of plain milk chocolates, toffees, and other candies.
Part of her daily routine is to have her snacks and water ready by 4 pm to take to her room. She would always say, “I have everything right next to me, so I don’t have to go to the kitchen again”. Leoncia may have challenges with her short-term memory but remembers pertinent information that contributes to the history of Saltibus and Saint Lucia.
She finds joy in talking to her friends, nieces and nephews. She maintains a jolly spirit and enjoys sharing stories about her life experiences with nurses, doctors or whoever comes to visit. She is also quick to remind them that she’ll soon celebrate her 100th birthday.
The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment join family, friends and the community at large in celebrating Saint Lucia’s newest centenarian – Leoncia McFarlane.
