Stanleytown girl Eileen Prass bats 100 not out

The birthday girl, Eileen Prass
The birthday girl, Eileen Prass

Centenarian Eileen Prass nee Douglas-De Souza was raised at Vryheid, in a tiny village on the eastern fringe of New Amsterdam, before relocating to the constituency of Stanleytown.

‘Granny’ as she is fondly referred to, was born on November 18, 1924. During her early years, she attended the Catholic Girls School also referred to back then as the Romans Girl school, and St Therese’s Primary School, due to her parent’s belief in Catholicism. However, she converted to Adventism in her adult years. Despite her initial commitment to the religious group, her declining health has placed a limitation on her attendance.

Eileen Prass celebrates her millstone with others

Prass worked in her earlier life as a domestic assistant to the late Dr Mohabir, a popular family doctor in New Amsterdam. That aside, she embraced entrepreneurship to supplement the doctor’s weekly wages. She sold Black Pudding and other savories at the famous Pitt Street. 

Portions of her life remain shrouded, due to several challenges amongst pockets of joy.

A widow, she has lost two husbands to death.

Over a decade ago, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which causes memory loss and other physical limitations.  Her other challenges include deafness and visual impairment. Her granddaughter Adele is tasked with understanding, and relating, to other family members her non-verbal communication.

Her birthday celebration saw the attendance of Mayor Wainwright McIntosh and a team from the Town Council who helped mark the significant milestone. Also in attendance were  her two surviving children, Orin and Elizabeth, along with their many descendants.

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