Big celebration in Linden tonight as ‘Aunty May’ touches 100

Born on September 1922, Ismay Simpson to Goulding and Dutches Simpson, Aunty May as she is popularly called was an only child.

Aunty May making her way into the venue where her Birth Party is being held

Tonight the still active 100 year old Guyanese woman is surrounded by her surviving children, grand children, friends and other family.

We were told that even at age 98,  Aunty May won a domino competition.

The family is said to have a history of longevity as her mom lived to the age of 98.

She was born in New Amsterdam Berbice where she attended school and then moved to town where she resided in Charlestown.

Aunty May had five children two of whom are still alive today.

Aunty May and her two surviving children at her side.

In her earlier years, she worked at the abattoir and would travel to Linden on weekends to sell runner and blood for black-pudding.

She quickly emerged as an entrepreneur as she started cooking and selling food. She also has a stall in the Bourda Market.

A wonderful Birthday Cake for Aunty May

For 45 years, Aunty May sold newspaper and we are told by her relatives that up to the age of 98, Aunty May was still selling newspaper. She was regarded back then as the oldest and longest serving newspaper vendor.

Aunty May has more than 20 grand children, more than 30 great grand and dozens of great great grand children.