Saint Lucia’s newest centenarian was celebrated by her children, family and friends over the weekend. Ruby Nicholas was born in Choiseul and now lives at Lastic Hill, Castries.
She turned 100 on Friday, June 26, 2026.
Ruby was born in Choiseul to Flo and George Nicholas. She attended Riviere Doree Combined School and helped on her family’s farm when she was young.
Three of Ruby’s nine children were born in Choiseul: Alma Mathurin and Keith Nicholas, both of whom have passed away, and Pelton Nicholas.
Ruby’s brothers are Vibert, Erickson, Clayton, Benson, Oliver and Trevor Nicholas. Her sisters are Dona, Mina, Mary and Fib.
Ruby later moved to Castries, where she worked as a house help before becoming a well-known seamstress in Bishop’s Gap, Marchand, and Water Works. Her last formal job was with the James family at La Toc.
Her other six children were born in Castries: Miriam, Kent, Prisca, Winsburt, Randy (who has passed away), and Tony Nicholas.
In addition to raising her own children, Ruby also cared for others. Sometimes she was paid, but often she did it out of kindness.
Besides working as a seamstress and house help, Ruby sold icicles, soft drinks, and ice lollies to help support her family.
The celebration began on Friday at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, where Ruby has been a member since childhood and continues to attend.
Archdeacon Christian Glasgow spoke about Ruby’s faithfulness and passion for God. He based his message on Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” He said, “Ruby has recognised the importance of putting God first and in return He has indeed truly blessed her.”
Representatives from the Department of Equity and Elderly Affairs also attended the service, where Ruby Nicholas received a bouquet of flowers and a plaque.
The next day, a big celebration for Ruby Nicholas was held at the St Joseph’s Convent auditorium. Family, friends from Saint Lucia and overseas, and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre attended.
During the celebration, Tony Nicholas, one of Ruby’s nine children, spoke about his mother’s love for people, her generosity, kindness and gratitude.
“Mum is a devout member of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church family and was a member of the Lastic Hill mothers and fathers group, actively participating in many of their activities,” he said.
“She loved reading books, her Bible, and listening to the radio regularly, which she still does.”
He added that Ruby was always on time. Even at 93, just before Covid, she walked to Castries Market every Saturday and went to church every Sunday.
“Mum also taught us early the power of prayer and having a relationship with God. In difficult times, she would tell us we do not pray enough, and it was common to hear her pray, sing hymns and see her reading the Bible,” her son revealed.
“She often reinforced never being envious of another person or coveting what one has but working for what we wanted. She taught, showed us and told us to love each other and love ourselves.”
He also said there were two things she never forced on her children: religion and politics.
“Mum loved to cook and likes sweet potatoes, macambo, pigeon peas, pork and saltfish.
He also shared that Ruby enjoys a small capful of Stone’s Ginger wine before bed, which might be one of her secrets to ageing gracefully.
At the celebration, Charlie from Radio 100 asked Ruby how she was feeling. She said she felt happy to be surrounded by so many people, including some she had not seen in a long time. She repeated her love for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and neighbours.
Ruby’s advice was for people to decide early in life to live well.
“I lived well, took care of my nine children, and I love them all,” she said.
Ruby talked about her faith in God, working hard, and also making time as a teenager to go to dances and enjoy life.
Prime Minister Pierre, who knew Ruby when he was a boy growing up at Water Works, said he was pleased to be in her company.
“I really want to congratulate you. You look very well. You must tell us the recipe, so I can look so when I get to be 100 years. Thanks for having me, and I won’t say fifty more, but as many more years as possible. Happy birthday and all the best,” Pierre said.
The celebration on Saturday included Gospel performances by Brandon and Cindy from Streams of Power Ministry, Sally Elwin, TC Brown and the Silver Shadow Dancers.
Ruby Nicholas continues to receive congratulatory messages and has thanked everyone who remembered her, attended the church service and celebration, or called to wish her well.
