Cayman centenarian Ethel Ebanks has passed away.
Ms. Ebanks, who celebrated her 104th birthday last week, died in her sleep early on Saturday morning.
Mario Ebanks, who kept close ties with Ebanks and affectionately called her “Auntie Ethel” told the Cayman Compass her sudden passing has left a void in his heart and the community.
She was believed to be the oldest person in the Cayman Islands.
“She was a special and unique person, one of a kind really. A life well lived, hardly a complaint… even at her advanced age. [She was] always very detailed-oriented, knowledgeable and full of stories and history, and a most alert and wise political advisor. My heart is broken and empty this morning, but grateful for her long life and that she endured no long-term suffering,” Ebanks said.
The centenarian was born in 1918 to parents Ennia Elizabeth and Thomas Edwin Ebanks, and resided in the same house she grew up in with her siblings on Town Hall Road up until her passing.
Ms. Ebanks was a successful head maid at one of Cayman’s first hotels – La Fontaine on West Bay Road – and also worked in a shoe shop, the old West Bay By-Rite supermarket and later as a dressmaker.
Mario Ebanks said that although Ms. Ebanks did not have children, he was thankful for all of the wonderful people over the years who loved and assisted her “like a child should do for a parent. God bless you.”
He said Ms. Ebanks was a special aunt to him. He said her family was most helpful to his family after they arrived from the Isle of Pines in October 1968.
“Auntie herself visited with my grandparents [on my mother’s side] in the Isle of Pines in the 1940’s and 50’s. She went to the Isle for medical attention. After 1968, until her passing, she always had a special place in her heart for me. I hope to say more about that at her funeral,” he added.
Ms. Ebanks was treated like royalty on her birthday and was visited by many who celebrated her milestone.
“I am so happy that we were able to have a 104th birthday party for her on 21st April, organized by Mrs. Marji Ebanks, and auntie thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank God she lived a good and long life, and did not really suffer for a long time,” Ebanks said.
Ms. Ethel was a longstanding member of the Progressives.
She was joined by the Opposition members this week to mark her 104th birthday.
George Town South MP Barbara Conolly posted condolences on Saturday morning.
Ebanks said Ms. Ethel was “smart, independent, frank and honest, full of stories and history, politically savvy, and witty”.
He added, “I hope that all of the history that our elderly citizens have is being collected by the National Archive… because it is a treasure trove.”
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
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