Mrs. Bernadine Verneuil, affectionately known as “Ma Lennard”, is celebrating her 100th birthday in style.
The sprightly centenarian celebrated her milestone Friday, March 20, 2026, with a church service in Laborie.
Over the weekend, the family’s festive mood continued with a family fun day at the Rudy John Beach Park in Laborie, which was followed by a grand party at the Daher Estate in La-Fargue, Choiseul.
Verneuil gave birth to 15 children, eight boys and seven girls, a few of whom have passed away. Currently, she has over 150 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
According to her family members, the spirited centenarian has all her facility intact.
Her daughter, Petrolina Verneuil described her as jovial, hardworking and a devoted parent.
“She always encourages her grandchildren to make children,” Verneuil said, adding that she usually finds out from them whether they have children.
As it relates to her health, Verneuil said her mother never visited a doctor.
“Doctors don’t even know her,” she said.
According to Verneuil, in her younger days, her mother would walk from Banse, Laborie to Vieux-Fort, and other communities such as Choiseul to sell her agricultural produce.
The vibrant centenarian currently lives with her family who have regularly expressed their adoration for her.
With a life spanning a full century, Ma Lennard has seen and experienced all the changes and transformations of Laborie and the neighbouring communities in the south of the island.