Sharing some of that wisdom that comes with age as she celebrated her 100th birthday, Laventille elder Angela Pascall urged parents to educate their children and ensure they “walk the right road.”
In a time very different from what we know today, Pascall moved to Trinidad in 1942 and settled in Point Fortin with her husband who came to the country just before her to work in the oil field. She then moved to the hills of Laventille in 1954; before Trinidad and Tobago’s birth as an independent nation. However, after some 20 years of marriage, her husband passed away at the age of 40, leaving her behind to raise their three boys aged 14, five and three respectively.
Left with these three mouths to feed, Pascall took a job doing domestic work for a family in Woodbrook as well as operated as a seamstress from her home. Though she never remarried, she got together with one other man who she lived with for 40 years until his passing in 2003.
During her life, she remained a woman of God and was a regular churchgoer. Though she can no longer attend church due to her age, members still visit her at least once a week.
Her youngest son and attorney-at-law, Alvin Pascall was excited that his mother could make it to such a milestone in her life.
“It’s a very great feeling. She’s made it to 100 - 100 challenging years. I’m proud to see her as she is, her mental capacity is good and can remember everything.”
Growing up, he said, she was a firm but loving person toward them.
This is why she advised parents to “teach them (their children) to walk the right road, send them to school and see that they take their education, and go to church.”
But her elderly wisdom didn’t stop there as she advised young people to take their education and learn to work for what they want in life.
“Take a trade, learn and you would help yourself. You won’t have time to get yourself into trouble,” she shared.
