Magdalene Vuadreu embodies elegance and grace as she navigates life at the age of 96. Despite the changing seasons of her life, her happiness is firmly anchored in her extended family.
Reflecting on her past, she fondly recalls her prime years spent in the highlands of Nadarivatu with her husband and children. With a twinkle in her eye, she shared the ups and downs she has faced over the years. “When I was about six, my sister and I were placed in the Saint Joan of Arc convent in Sigatoka, where we stayed until we turned 14,” Ms. Vuadreu reminisced. She has no memory of her father, as her mother had left her and her sister in their grandfather’s care, who took them to the convent—a place she cherishes.
Despite living with memory impairment, her spirit shines through in conversations. Ms. Vuadreu shared her rich heritage, which includes Irish and Maori ancestry. She spoke proudly of her grandfather, Loqorio Kunalevu, and his romantic history, noting that he once left his wedding ceremony to welcome his wife and newborn daughter back to Fiji after they had been sent back to New Zealand.
As she reminisced about her childhood, she highlighted the joy of working hard in the convent gardens and the adventurous Sundays spent diving for freshwater mussels. After marrying, Ms. Vuadreu embraced her life in Nadarivatu, where she learned to shear sheep, spin wool, and create warm clothing. She took pride in acquiring diverse life skills—knitting, sewing, baking, and gardening—while raising her four children.
Over the years, Ms. Vuadreu has shared her wisdom with many through social work, finding fulfillment in supporting other women. Although the couple bought a farm and enjoyed farming together, her husband’s health eventually led them to relocate to Kalabu to be closer to their children. Following her husband’s passing in 1997, she felt a profound sense of loss, yet she found solace in her grandchildren, who played a crucial role in her healing process.
While she faces challenges associated with her age, Ms. Vuadreu remains resilient. “It’s not easy, but you must accept what life gives you,” she reflected. She aspires for good health and independence, wishing to embrace the gift of longevity fully. Surrounded by the love of her daughters and grandchildren, Ms. Vuadreu exemplifies the strength of family bonds and the resilience of the human spirit.
As we celebrate Ms. Vuadreu’s remarkable journey, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of family, love, and the enduring spirit of those who have faced life’s challenges with grace and strength. Her experiences are not only inspirational but also a testimony to the wisdom accrued through a lifetime of ups and downs.
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