Nancy Ida Louise Fahie with governor-general’s deputy and surrounded by family and friends as she celebrated her 100th birthday this week.
Antigua’s first centenarian of 2009 came of age this past Monday.
Mrs. Nancy Ida Louise Fahie was born in Five Island Village in 1909.
She was presented with a special bouquet by Governor General’s Deputy Sir Eustace Francis when he visited her at her Gray’s Farm Road home, yesterday. He brought greetings on behalf of both the nation and Governor-General Louise Lake-Tack, who is currently overseas.
Francis wished Fahie well and asked her the recipe for longevity, which seems to run in the family since Fahie’s mother Alma Thomas lived to be 103.
Fahie also received a gift package courtesy of Gloria’s Beauty Salon and Beauty Supply, which was presented by seven-year-old Latoya Headley of Victorious Living Outreach Ministries.
Sir Eustace reassured her that the customary, congratulatory message from Queen Elizabeth II, which at the time had not yet arrived, was most probably delayed because of the extra seasonal post.
As a child, Fahie attended Green Bay Primary School. Upon leaving, she entered the workforce as a domestic helper.
A staunch Moravian, she attended the Five Island Moravian Church for many years and transferred to the Green Bay church when travelling became too taxing for her.
In 1954 she travelled to England. One of the first to take advantage of the United Kingdom’s open door, she remained there for over twenty years. During this time she was employed as a nurse’s aid at the renown University College Hospital.
Mrs Fahie (nee Thomas) married Ray Fahie (now diseased), who was born in Santa Domingo of Kittitian parents. They have one adopted son, Charlesworth Smith.
At the presentation, President of the Senate, Hazelyn Francis spoke of Mrs. Fahie as a valued member of the Gray’s Farm community who she has known for a considerable time.
Following the presentation Cornella Michael, who organises and co-ordinates the Centenarian Programme, told the Antigua Sun that since birth, Fahie has always maintained full health and is still in control of all her faculties. Her appearance in a wheelchair yesterday was due to a fall she sustained two months ago.
by Deborah Browne Wills
