Noemie Benoit turns 107 |04 January 2023
Mrs Benoit on the day of her 107th birthday
Noemie Benoit, affectionately called ‘Memer’ by her family, relatives and friends, celebrated her 107th birthday on January 2.
On this occasion she was surrounded by some of her grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren as well as other family members.
Memer had only one daughter, Bradeline, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 83.
Also present at the celebration were Cascade district authorities and a representative of the ministry responsible for Family.
The member of the National Assembly for Cascade, Honourable Phillip Monthy and district administrator, Begita Melanie, presented Mrs Benoit with a basket of goodies on behalf of the President of the Republic and a cake from the district administration office.
They also conveyed the President’s best wishes for a happy birthday and a prosperous year.
The director of programme for the Elderly, Raisa Cadeau, also presented a basket on behalf of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family.
Despite old age, ‘Memer’ was very cheerful, welcoming and cracking jokes. She is mentally very alert with an impeccable memory. She recalls almost everything from the distant past to the present day in nitty gritty details. Physically, she is in a good state of health apart from the recurrent joint pains associated with old age and slightly elevated hypertension which was diagnosed very recently.
She lives on her own in her house which is in the same compound as the family home. She is still able to attend to her personal hygiene by herself but family members take turns to assist her with some chores.
Until about two years back, she was totally independent. A retired neighbour now voluntarily checks on her regularly during weekdays when everyone is at work.
Mrs Benoit said she is happy especially when she has the visit of family members and when on video call with her grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren who live or are studying overseas.
Altogether she has seven grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren.
“My wish is to see all of them before I die,” said Mrs Benoit.
She is a fervent Roman Catholic who takes her faith very seriously. She regrets that she can no longer attend church services though she follows on the radio.
She is grateful for the occasional visits by the Parish priest who administers the eucharist to her at home.
Mrs Benoit is very fond of root crops which she says is the secret to longevity. Coconut nougat is also one of her favourite treats.
Text & photos contributed
