By Jeune Bailey Van Keric
MAUD Olga Williams, the centenarian who was known for her breadmaking skills, died peacefully at her Lot 49 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam home on Saturday morning.

Her granddaughter, Yvette Williams, informed this publication that she passed away just before 08:00 hrs.

Retired Town Clerk Angela Collins, a neighbour, said, “Miss Williams lived a full life. May her soul rest in peace.”

“Cousin Maud”, “Miss Williams”, “Neighbour Maude” or “Neig”, as she was fondly referred to, would have celebrated her 102nd birthday on May 8.

During her lifetime, the widow prepared the mixture for bread and other baked goodies, and ensured that she kept abreast of current affairs, including the recently concluded budget debate. She did crotchet, read the newspapers daily, and also made time for playing a game or two of checkers with her neighbour, Shirley Adams, and former caregiver Yvonne Lambert.

The centenarian, at the time of her death, was the longest living resident of Lot 49 Stanleytown, a place she had called home for almost 70 years.

Her neighbours had planned and celebrated her 100th and 101st birthdays with her, since her overseas-based children could not be here with her due to ‘COVID’–related travel restrictions.

In celebration of those milestones, helium-filled balloon arches with 100 and 101 signs were placed at her gate, while groups of women sang spiritual hymns and songs as she walked onto her patio to greet the well-wishers. She was thankful for the gesture.

At her last celebration, Reverend Tyrone Sulker, now deceased, and a team of church members had paid a visit and held a thanksgiving service for the centenarian.

During an interview following that celebration, she had expressed the belief that in order for persons to adequately maintain their respective families, their income must be supplemented. She had supplemented her husband’s income by crocheting and sewing, and cultivating a kitchen garden.

Although she was no longer tending to her kitchen garden, ‘Cousin Maud’ would view her fruit plants from her windows, and could tell when there was need for special care.

She was born to Antonita Lyken and Samuel Ellis on May 8, 1920 at the New Amsterdam Hospital, which was a landmark located at Charles Place and Main Street in the Berbice township.

Her earlier years were spent at Lot 43 Stanleytown with her mother, siblings and relatives. During that period, she’d attended the All-Saints Anglican School. Following her school years, she was sent to learn to sew and crotchet.

She was married to the late Eugene Williams, who, in order to care for a growing family, was employed as a carpenter, farmer and security guard. Together, they raised seven children, three of whom were girls.

Although her life was consumed with innovative ways to enhance the quality of life of her children, she was keen on learning about what was happening outside her home.

It was that eagerness to know that resulted in her reflecting on the famed American aviator Art Williams.

“It was in the 1930s he flew his plane over New Amsterdam; it was a sight for all to see, as he was doing aerial stunts which captured the breath of the viewers,” she had told the Guyana Chronicle with a twinkle in her eyes.

Art Williams was an American pilot who’d come to the then British Guiana and became a pioneer of aviation locally.

She had used the opportunity to express concern about youths who are not academically inclined, and are seemingly wasting their lives.

“There is something they can do; they can learn a trade. It is always good to earn an honest living…,” she had said.

The late centenarian is survived by her children: Winston, Barbara, Brenda and Wynette; 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.