Ma Sampson “feeling good” at 100

Ma Sampson said she is in “top form.” Photo: Janice Roberts

A resident of Loubiere, Mamie “Ma Sampson” Gasper has joined the list of centenarians in Dominica.

Ma Sampson a mother of one turned 100 years today, January 24, 2017.

She told Dominica News Online (DNO) during an interview that she feels good to have turned 100 years.

“I am in top form and feeling good,” she said.

Ma Sampson stated that at her age she can do almost everything on her own.

Her grand niece, Rosamund Lebruin, who is fully responsible for her told DNO that Ma Sampson attended the Roseau Girls School but at about 12 years left and began doing domestic work such as helping persons to clean, wash, iron, among other chores.

“She was a hard worker,” Lebruin said.

She said her Ma Sampson enjoyed walking.

“As a young person she walked daily,” she stated. “Every day she would go to town…she would walk back and forth.”

Lebruin believes that part of what contributed to her aunt’s long life is the consumption of fish when growing up.

“When cooking, she and husband ate mainly fish,” she explained. “She would eat fish from Monday to Saturday. Her supply of fish came from her brother in law.”

However, Lebruin explained that on Sundays she cooked local ‘fowls’ which she raised herself.

“At Christmas time they would use beef and pork,” she added.

She said her aunt also consumed a lot of crayfish, crushed foods like ‘ton ton’, banana and dasheen.

Her husband, Sampson Gasper, passed away in July 2002.

Lebruin said at her aunt’s age she can see clearly and is very healthy.

“She has no diabetes, no (high blood) pressure and she is very healthy,” Lebruin revealed. “She is very strong…”

However, due to a fall, she suffered in 2013, she walks with a limp.

But that doesn’t hinder Ma Sampson from walking.

“I accompany her to the bank and she deals with her money herself,” Lebruin noted, adding that Ma Sampson loves socializing.

“I don’t have a problem taking care of her, she’s not difficult,” Lebruin noted. “She is very polite…anything you do for her she is very grateful and will tell you thank you very much.”

Lebruin explained that when her aunt was able, she went to church every Sunday since she is a devout Catholic. She presently she receives Holy Communion from the church every second Sunday in the month.

“She is a God-fearing person,” Lebruin stated.

Lebruin considered her aunt as a patriotic Dominican since she never traveled out of the country.

“She never left her country for nothing…,” she said.

As part of her birthday celebration, a special Mass will be held today from 4:00 pm at the Holy Spirit Chapel in Loubiere, followed by a small gathering of close relatives, friends, and residents.

Ma Sampson’s mother, Alice Alexander lived to 102 years and died on April 17, 1977.

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27 Comments

  1. Dominique
    January 26, 2017

    Keep up the faith in the good lord and continue to receive your Holy Communion, very important.

  2. The Truth Be Told (Original)
    January 25, 2017

    Residing in Toronto, I telephoned a few D/cans about Ma Sampson who turned 100 years and feels good. Even though we do not know her, we had a good conversation about her. This is good news which will spread.
    On my way in tonight, during a conversation with someone who said she has diabetes I told her about Ma Sampson. I advised her to eat fruits, vegetables and also make fruit smoothies which are strengthening.
    If Canadian doctors or researchers know of Ma Sampson, I speculate that they would love to go to Dominica to meet this lady and question her about her longevity and health.
    Ma Sampson is a unique lady to be 100 years and without medical problems, i.e., she does not have high blood pressure, diabetes and has good eyes. She does not need eye glasses. God really shines His Blessed Light on her. Thanks be to God!
    She looks pleasant and one who could easily be communicated with.
    I do wish her God’s blessings and many more birthdays.

  3. out of south city
    January 25, 2017

    It is quite amasing
    To be one hundred
    And what is interesting
    You’ve eaten a lot of bread

    We know it’s not wealth
    That gave you longevity
    But because of your health
    And being active in your community

    Your life is an example
    For many to follow
    I hope we’ll be able
    To live a better tomorrow

    May you continue to live
    Many more years
    And may you continue to give
    The love you’ve shared

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY QUEEN MOTHER!

  4. January 25, 2017

    Happy 100th birthday man Mamie. May each day be prescious. Huge regards to her caring son Morgan who came from the United Kingdom to help celebrate with her. God Bless.???

  5. AllforDominica
    January 25, 2017

    looking gorgeousss

  6. Kincaid Mawish, JD
    January 25, 2017

    Congrats Ma Sampson!

  7. marie-claire
    January 25, 2017

    Happy birthday dear may god continue to bless and protect you.

  8. shay
    January 25, 2017

    Dominica is a blessed land..She look BEAUTIFUL even at 100. She looks no more than 68 years. God bless you and many more to come!

    • Hmph!
      January 25, 2017

      68? you mean 78? I have never seen a 68 person look old like this. She really looks good for her age but not 68. Happy Birthday to Ma Samson and congratulations to you for reaching 100 yrs. I wish you God’s BLESSINGS.

  9. non ya business
    January 25, 2017

    Congratulations Ma Sampson! I pray that God will bless you and keep you healthy till the end.May God bless all the centenarians.

  10. Loubierian
    January 25, 2017

    Wishing Ma Sam (I always address her Ma Sam ) a very Happy 100TH Birthday..
    Oh my days that wonderful, strong, caring lady is something else. A proper Parishioner. Mother to all us kids growing up in Loubiere..
    I remembering the special bounding moments with Ma Sam when in my youth while sitting with her washing our clothes on the river bed.. :).. I pray the good Lord continue to Bless and keep you safe my dear.. Love always. Merle (Sybil’s daughter) xxx

  11. January 25, 2017

    Congratulation my dear granny…All the best and many more years to come…You could not ask for anything more…five scores in this day any age…You had better be showering all the praise on the Most High GOD…for it’s only by HIS grace that’s possible…
    Someone had made some silly comment not to long ago on life expectancy in Dominica..as if folks are not living very long…well you’re a testimony…
    Have fun on your big day and all the best…

    • January 25, 2017

      Congratulations Ma Sampson :!:

      It always gives me joy to pay respects to a senior who has reached a grand age.

      I see a healthy lifestyle I hope many young people will emulate. It pays to live right and you are enjoying the results of your good choices.

      (a) Physical exercise.
      (b) Proper diet.
      (c) Faith in God.

      No doubt you could add more to my meager list.

      By believing in our Lord Jesus Christ and trusting in what HE did for each one of us on the cross – by putting your faith in HIS precious Blood alone for your salvation – you can live forever in the place HE has gone to prepare.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

  12. January 25, 2017

    Congratulations Mrs. Gasper on your longevity of 100th years. You look younger, healthier.and good looking for 100. God have blessed you with the grace to see alot of changes in Dominica, you must have been good to everyone who comes intouch with you and devote your life being a lady people loved very much, God really looked after you and you one of his angels he loved so much because you lived a good long life you deserve more good life in the future. God Bless you and wish you a HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY to you and many more to come.

  13. anonymous2
    January 25, 2017

    She grew up at a time when DA was a lot cleaner and there was a lot less processed food being imported and a lot less pollution. She wasn’t spoiled and got a lot of exercise. She seems to have maintained that lifestyle throughout her life which accounts for her longevity. Congratulations to Ma Sampson.

  14. Anon
    January 24, 2017

    Wow, Blessed.

  15. Wil
    January 24, 2017

    Happy birthday Ma Sampson. Wish you many more.

  16. Danna
    January 24, 2017

    Bravo!! Happy Birthday to a queen and we thank God for allowing her to celebrate 100 years. Stay strong and blessed. And may you see many more. From Loubiere with

  17. January 24, 2017

    To God be the glory..She is in top form is a very confidential statement…..Happy birthday Ma Sampson….Great legacy

  18. The Truth Be Told (Original)
    January 24, 2017

    Congratulations to Ma Sampson on your 100th birthday.
    100 yrs and no medical problems! This is a lady who lived well and ate healthily. Eating fish has also helped to keep you strong and alert. It is said, fish is brain food.
    Ma Sampson, God has been as good to you as you have been to Him during your lifetime. He has kept you here for a reason and to show us that we, too can live to be one hundred and more, if only we live well and eat and drink healthily.
    Walking is important. It keeps the body/legs, strong.
    Your profile is interesting and encouraging.
    You are indeed a patriotic national, were a hard worker and an appreciative lady who was always satisfied with your life, what you earned and what you have achieved. This tells much for your longevity and health.
    Younger nationals especially could learn from you.
    God bless you. May He continue to grant you as many years as He sees fit.
    To you, her niece who takes loving care of your aunt, God bless you!

  19. Tj
    January 24, 2017

    Congratulations! God speed

  20. Nous Meme
    January 24, 2017

    Happy 100th Birthday to you!
    Happy 100th Birthday to you!
    Happy 100th Birthday Dear Ma Sampson -Mayme.
    Happy 100th Birthday to You.

    May the good Lord bless you, your family and friends.
    :-D 8)

  21. s.e
    January 24, 2017

    Happy Birthday to Mrs. Sampson. May the Good Lord bless you.

  22. papa
    January 24, 2017

    Stay well peace and love I’m so happy for u even I don’t no u way to go mom

  23. Please help
    January 24, 2017

    Happy Birthday to you . I wish you a happy day continued good health and happiness. . you were a good wife to my Grand uncle. Happy Birthday maymay..

  24. Dominica
    January 24, 2017

    Happy Birthday and God blessing

  25. selfhelp
    January 24, 2017

    woop!!!!!! woop!!!!! long life my friend. don’t know you but feel your spirit…… gods grace and blessings all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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