By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Three women, including a former St. John the Baptist Parish School Board member, were honored at Twin Oaks Nursing Home’s 14th annual “This Is Your Life” celebration.

Theresa Brooks, activities director at Twin Oaks, hosted the celebration July 23, where friends and families of some of the residents came to celebrate the accomplished lives of their loved ones. Brooks said the event is held each year to celebrate residents who are at least 90 years old.

The three women honored this year have combined life spans totaling 275 years — and that’s just so far.

“It’s such an inspiration for us to learn about the residents,” Brooks said about the event.

She said she started the program soon after she began working at Twin Oaks 15 years ago.

Pecola Growes and Aleitha Bardell, both 90, were two of the honorees this year. Helen Millet, 95, rounded out this year’s program. 

Bardell, a life-long educator, served as a school board member in St. John Parish from 1985 to 1998. During her years as a teacher she taught in Jefferson and St. John parishes.

Anitra Bardell Lopez, Aleitha’s granddaughter, said she was excited about the chance to honor her grandmother. 

“I’m really excited she’s here,” Lopez said. “They take great care of her.”

Growes, Bardell and Millet were all honored by friends and family members who spoke to the crowd about their special memories of the women. 

All of the honorees were lauded for being devoted to their families, and each one was heralded as being a great cook.

A solo by the Rev. Perry Suggs opened the event, and resident Victoria Jones offered a brief welcome.

“It’s a wonderful thing to live past 90,” Jones said.

Brooks talked about the purpose of the event before Monica Ingram read a scripture, which was also referenced on the program.

The scripture for this year’s event was Proverbs 6:20-23, which states, “My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life.”

Resident Ruby Englade then led a brief recognition of past honorees, which include Louise Bienvenue, Martina Gambino, Albertha Johnson, Verna E. Laborde, Alice Triche, Mayola Brown, Helen Davis, Carrie Lee and Alemena Stayton, who celebrated her 95th birthday on the day of the festivities.