Mrs. Esther Juliana Beck, celebrated her 100th anniversary among family friends and acquaintances. She was born on September 30, 1923 in the Nickerie district. She is the second child of Mrs. Christine Alida Jeffrey (late) and Mr. Anton George Beck (late). She comes from a family of 6 children (4 boys & 2 girls), of which she and 2 others (brother and sister) are still alive. Mrs. Esther Juliana Beck was unable to attend the school, but she was taught at home in the Nickerie polder by her father. She met her life partner and got married at the age of 33, which was a highlight of her life. After her marriage she moved to Paramaribo. The two lovers did not have any children together. She has always been a very caring woman who at the time of marriage was a housewife and her life partner was the breadwinner. She helped raise her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews with a lot of love, they described her as an articulate, but very caring aunt and sister. Her marriage lasted about six (6) years when her husband tragically died by drowning in the Nickerie River, her world collapsed because of this blow. Because of this great loss, she was plunged into deep mourning for a long period of time. According to one of her cousins, she said she never wanted to have a man or marry again. Her home address was at Asgar Karamat Ali Street no. 07, just opposite the school, for the children of this school she sold her stewed/vinegared fruits and sweets at dirt cheap prices. Even those who could not afford it were given something from the stock. Her health is reasonably stable, she is approachable and due to old age she hears poorly and moves with a walker. Mrs. Beck always thought and believed that she would commemorate her 100th birthday, but she was afraid of death when she sometimes became ill. She did not dare to sleep in the evenings for fear that she would not wake up, according to her nephew. Her sister and nephew could capture much more about this special sister and aunt. The family thanks her for their love and care. From the hands of the district secretary, she received the usual envelope with contents, a flower arrangement and a birthday certificate on behalf of the government.
(Rahana N.)