Yesterday, we told you about the passing of Belize City's oldest resident - 108-year-old Leonora Patnett. Ms Leonora was no stranger to the cameras - she'd give interviews every year on her birthday since she hit the triple digits. And the wider public looked forward to hearing her advice on the keys to a long life, well lived. And she certainly had the formula, especially since she was still able to move around and read without the use of glasses.
And today, Courtney Menzies looked back at all the sage advice that Ms Leonora had passed on. Here's her story.
She was Belize's most famous centenarian - and while very few past the hundred year mark - Leonora Patnett did it in style - hosting the media annually every year since she hit the century mark - and last year even getting the Prime Minister to stop in and pay his respects.
But Ms Leonora never feared death, and on her 102nd birthday, she said she knew her time was coming to an end.
Leonora Patnett, Deceased
"I thank God that he spared my life that I live to see 102. And I thank the good lord. Any time the Lord is ready for me, well, I have to go. Anytime God says, well, I give you a long life and I quite ready, anytime he is ready, you know, 102. [laughs]."
But Ms Leonora did not leave without sharing the secrets of longevity, grace and gratitude. Every year for her birthday, she would share some words of wisdom and caution for the young ones:
Leonora Patnett, Deceased
"The secret is that you have to live a good life, you don't smoke or drink or anything. And you don't walk with your back and thing out. [laughs]. And you live a good life."
"Well the secret is, you get up in the morning, you pray to God that he spares your life, that you're still alive, and you live a quiet life."
"The only advice I could give them, tell them to see that they keep their body good and no smoking and no drinking. They must pray in the morning and pray the Lord to help them."
Leonora Patnett, Deceased
"You have to live a good life, you shouldn't be all around, go sleep to time, you don't drink or smoke. Well some people, not all, they don't drink or smoke and by that you know you keep good health."
And it was advice that Ms Leonara practiced up until midday yesterday, when she passed quietly in her sleep. But even after her death, her family is still heeding the words of their matriarch.
Jerome Sedacy, Grandson
"My grandmother was the, like I said, she was the Alpha Male of this family because she had a strong belief in God and whenever we had - you know family members always have fuss with each other - she would always be there. But one of her main thing she always try to teach us is love God, love your enemy, if they come and ask you for some water, give them some water, if they come and ask you for some food, give them some food, because she believed in family and family have to stick together and have unity together."
"She lived a full life and everybody loved her because she was so peaceful, she was a good Christian. She would go to the Mount Zion Church and she was well loved. So I expect that whenever she is laid to rest, this will be a massive turn out. She lived a full life and she was happy."
Leonora Patnett, Deceased
"I feel glad and I thank God that he blessed me to see the day."
And, she was not only generous with her wisdom, Ms Leonora was also good with a rake! The Wagner's Lane resident was born on December 13th, 1913 - and wouldn't you know it: 13 played in Boledo last night. Lucky Leonara is all we'll say.
