On Sunday, June 24, the oldest member of the Parish Family of Holy Sacrament, Ellen Bennett, celebrated her 100th Birthday. At both celebrations of the Eucharist (8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.), we remembered and congratulated Ellen, in her absence, on attaining her 100th Anniversary of Birth. Following the 10:15 a.m. Eucharist, I visited Ellen at her home to congratulate her personally, to pray with her and to administer the Blessed Sacrament to her and her family. One of our members, Sonia Blake, also visited with me. Later in the evening, I attended a dinner party, held in Ellen’s honor, and at which I gave the invocation and blessing. It was a delightful occasion, enjoyed by many family members and friends. I always enjoy visiting Ellen and being in the presence of a contented, giving, loving and caring woman. Before I left her condo, she gave me one of my favorite fruit cakes.

Born in Morant Bay, Jamaica, on June 24, 1912, Ellen moved to Kingston, where she and her late husband, Lastelles Bennett, raised seven children (four boys and three girls). Lastelles died in 1970 and four of their children have also passed away. While in Kingston, Ellen and her husband operated a meat business. Ellen was also an outstanding wedding cake maker and dressmaker. After her husband’s death, she moved to the United States to join one of her daughters in New York.

Mrs. Bennett enjoys cooking, baking, watching golf from the patio of her condo, doing Word Search, and entertaining her family and friends. Ellen attributes “her longevity to her faith in God, the friendship and support of her wonderful family and friends, not smoking or drinking, and living a clean life.”Affectionately known as “Dear Ma,” Ellen has 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

We congratulate her on reaching such a significant milestone on her life’s journey. We pray that God will continue to bless and keep her in good health and strength as she continues her journey here on earth.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]