Not many people can live to be 100 years old. Yesterday, Johanna Duncan of Mississauga became one of those fortunate few.
Duncan was joined by her four children, countless grand children, great-grandchildren and even a great-great-grandchild among several others at St. Thomas A Becket Anglican Church in Erin Mills, a church the family normally attends, to celebrate the occasion.
Duncan, a teacher for nearly 30 years in her native Guyana, was best described as loving, kind and helpful by her daughter, Pauline Williams.
"She's always had a positive outlook on life," Williams said when asked what has led to her mother's longevity.
"She's had a very good life and it's always been her nature (to be loving, kind and helpful)."
In 1939, Duncan married her husband, Charles, with whom she raised children Ercille (deceased), Hector, Gloria, Pauline, Lynette. They also adopted two children, Gladys and Ransford, and assisted in the guidance of several others.
"She had a very strong love for extended family," said daughter, Gloria Daniels.
Duncan moved to Canada in 1980, two years after Charles passed away, to be closer to her children and grandchildren, most of whom live in Mississauga.
Aside from being a teacher, she worked as a seamstress, managed a Cafeteria, owned and operated a preschool and has always been a strong believer in faith and goodwill.
She's also known for her cooking (family members say she's famous for her coconut buns, mattai and dumplings), sewing and singing as well as her love for the Young and the Restless, something grandson Donny Benjamin joked about in his opening remarks.
Williams says her mother is still quite healthy for her age.
"Her hearing comes and goes a little bit, but her memory is as sharp as a tack," she said. "This morning, one of my sisters in England called at a quarter to five, which would've been around 10 in the morning where she lives, to wish her a happy birthday, and (Duncan) was wide awake to answer."
icolpitts@mississauga.net
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