Guyana loses two more centenarians

Nov 05, 2014 News

While Guyana’s life expectancy age has in recent years remained constant, somewhere between 60 and 70, there have

Dead: Ersula Victoria Forbes

been a few who have been easily surpassing this mark.
Among them has been Ersula Victoria Forbes who was on several occasions noticeably featured in the media having attained the elite status of centenarian. She entered the world on April 24, 1911, and peacefully departed on Monday (November 3, 2014). Forbes, had several months earlier celebrated her 103rd birthday.
She was fondly referred to as Mother Forbes in the Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara, village in which she resided until her demise and was regarded as the oldest member of the Ebenezer Congregational Church of Den Amstel.
During an interview with this publication in 2012 Mother Forbes was able to interact well with a reporter even sharing the names of her children and grandchildren. She was also able to recall the names of people she walked the street with more than 70 years ago and was very up to date then with everyday happenings. “My memory is very good …I remember everything, plus I’m a great cook, but my children don’t allow me in the kitchen. They tell me that I cooked enough and I should rest, now,” said vocal Mother Forbes whose hearing was aided by a device.
Her demise has left a void in the community of Den Amstel that will forever be missed.
She is survived by her only son Eldon Forbes and her foster daughter Jocelyn Adams, grandchildren, great grands, great, great grands, other relatives and many friends.
According to relatives a service to celebrate Mother Forbes life will be held on a date to be announced later.
Guyana also recently lost another centenarian in the person of Mrs Agnes McLean. Had she survived Mrs McLean would have also attained the age of 103 today. She was born on November 5, 1911.

Dead: Agnes McLean

Mrs McLean, many years ago, served as a midwife at the Georgetown Hospital and later became a District Health Visitor. She was mother of Normal Mc Lean, known for his distinction in the uniformed services (Police, National Service, and Guyana Defence Force) and Gloria McGregor.