REACHING the age of 100 is an incredible milestone. On December 30, 2025, Vera Iona Pierre McIntosh celebrated her 100th birthday, honouring a life of love, faith and service.

She is described as healthy, active, happy and full of cheer, a presence that lights each room she enters, someone who dances with confidence, laughs a lot and engages in conversation with a sharp mind, and a joyful spirit that is vibrant and youthful.

The ninth of thirteen siblings, Vera grew up in Seafield, West Coast Berbice. She was raised in a hardworking household that was led by her parents, Bernard Pierre and Ophiela Duke, who were farmers, bakers, and grocers, who supplied residents of Region Five.

From an early age, Vera learned the values of discipline, teamwork, and service. She was a pupil of St. Jude’s Anglican School, and after passing her School Leaving Examination, she spent time helping in the family bakery. From grating coconuts to greasing baking sheets and stirring sugar, these simple tasks shaped a strong work ethic.

Vera and her siblings played an integral role in the establishment of an infant school in an old rice barn. This subsequently grew into the Christ Lutheran School. There, Vera taught for $10 a month. She was motivated by purpose, not pay.

Her commitment to church and community remained steadfast as she moved across villages, working with the youth and schools during the challenging war years of the 1940s.

Fueled with courage and determination, Vera travelled to England in 1954 to pursue nursing, a field she excelled in. She successfully passed her GCEs, qualifying herself as a State Registered Nurse in the highest grade. Later, Vera was trained as a health visitor, becoming a member of the British Royal Society of Health.

Mrs. McIntosh returned home in 1960 to serve Guyana through inoculation campaigns and midwifery, particularly in Region Five.

Her journey in nursing eventually took her to England once more, where she served with distinction for 29 years at Nightingale House, a home for the age. She retired as a senior nursing officer.

At present, Vera resides in Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara, surrounded by love. She is the proud mother of twin daughters, grandmother to five, great-grandmother to two, and is the heart of a large extended family.

To them, she is a living treasure, a storyteller, a guide and constant source of wisdom.
Deeply devoted to God, Vera’s faith anchors her life. She believes, as the scripture teaches, in giving God praise in every circumstance, whether good or bad, knowing that difficult moments can lead to great purpose.

Vera remains busy, creative and joyful, and enjoys knitting, reading and journaling. She even stays connected with her family on her smartphone.

As Vera celebrates her 100th year of life, her family honours more than longevity; they celebrate a century of kindness, resilience, service and grace.

She is a reminder to all that a gentle and positive spirit, and a life rooted in faith can truly stand the test of time.