The years may have affected Kathleen Isabella Callender-Foster’s hearing and joints, but they have done nothing to put a damper on her long-term memory or zeal for life.
The centenarian entertained President The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason at her Lower Carter’s Gap, Christ Church home yesterday on her big day. The lively interaction prompted Dame Sandra to praise Callender-Foster.
“We have to be grateful to persons like her who brought Barbados to where it is – they are the true nation builders. I wish I could see more [centenarians] when I give out the Independence Honours. I’m sure she has a lot of years ahead,” she said.
Callender-Foster suffers with arthritis and is hard of hearing and while she has hearing aids, she does not like to use them. Dame Sandra said it might be due to wanting to block out all the bad news, adding she wished she could do the same.
One of the birthday girl’s daughters, Lynda Callender, lives with and takes care of her. She said her mother was very loving and religious, having attended a Seventh-Day Adventist Church up until the time COVID-19 struck Barbados in 2020. It was since then that she also developed issues with her legs and now uses a walking stick to get around.
She said her mum worked for many years as a domestic worker at the Geriatric Hospital. She was born in Carrington Village, St Michael, and later moved to Emmerton Lane, The City, before settling in Lower Carter’s Gap. She married Stanley Foster and they had five children, with one deceased; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grands and five great-great-grands. Foster died in 1998.
Another daughter, Lolita Callender, said her mother helped to raise their children as well, adding: “If our house didn’t have, hers would.”
Lynda said Callender-Foster liked to eat ground provisions and soup, and once she was served what she liked, there was no stopping her.
She was elated to see her mother reach 100 years.
“I feel very good, it’s a privilege. Not too many are living to that age – the young people aren’t getting that far – but the only way I would want to live that long is if I have someone to take care of me,” she said, adding she had no children.
Callender-Foster gave credit to God, as well as good living, for her long life.
“I’m here by the grace of God. I just took it easy and didn’t let anybody worry me. In my days, I lived in peace and unity with my fellowman and I asked God for His mercies from day to day,” she said, adding she read her Bible every morning. (CA)
