THE North West Region’s oldest recorded centenarian, Mrs. Bibiana Hernandez passed away at her Bumbary Hill home, Mabaruma Sub-Region, last Friday, at age 102.“Mama”, as she was affectionately called, succumbed to renal failure shortly after being diagnosed with the disease and was probably the first recorded case at her age.
Mrs. Hernandez who turned 102 on December 2, 2014, except for having lost her vision and eventually being confined to bed, continued to enjoy average health until a few months ago.
She began experiencing discomfort and was admitted to the Mabaruma Hospital were she spent a few days after a swelling was detected in her feet. After a few days, she was discharged and returned home where she succumbed last Friday.
Born on the Barima River Bank, she was married to Diaz Hernandez and they eventually migrated to Bumbary Hill, just off Hosororo Hill where they continued to live for the remainder of their lives. He succumbed several years ago.
Devout Roman Catholics, their union produced eight children in whose lives they instilled similar virtues. At the time of her death, Mama was residing with her grandson, Paul Hernandes, his wife Edna and their children, but shared the love and warmth of the entire family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and others, numbering dozens.
Mrs. Bibiana Hernandez will be buried at her homestead on Friday. The Guyana Chronicle extends profound sympathy to the bereaved relatives.