Magdalene Vuadreu embodies elegance and grace at the age of 96. Throughout her long life, she has found immense joy in her extended family, regardless of what challenges she has faced. Reflecting on her youth, she fondly recalls her time spent in the serene highlands of Nadarivatu with her husband and young children, which she considers some of her happiest memories.
Ms. Vuadreu’s life began in a convent in Sigatoka, where she and her sister lived from ages six to fourteen after being placed there by their grandfather. She has little information about her father, as her mother left the siblings in their grandfather’s care. Despite the hardships, she speaks warmly of her childhood memories.
Despite experiencing memory impairment, she remains a delightful conversationalist. Her heritage is a mix of Irish and Maori, a connection she cherishes as she reminisces about her grandfather, Loqorio Kunalevu, who faced imprisonment for a romantic relationship with a Maori woman. Ms. Vuadreu shares how her grandmother, originally from New Zealand, returned to Fiji with her mother and how her grandfather’s love led him to interrupt his wedding ceremony to hide them in a village.
Reflecting on her childhood at the convent, Ms. Vuadreu recalls the hard work of growing their own food and the joy of diving for freshwater mussels. Following her marriage, she moved to Nadarivatu, where she learned various life skills, including shearing sheep and knitting warm clothes. She takes pride in having shared her knowledge and wisdom during her years of social work, which provided her great satisfaction.
After purchasing a farm with her husband and facing the challenges of farming, they eventually relocated to Kalabu due to her husband’s declining health. His passing in 1997 left a significant void in her life, but she finds solace and healing in the love of her grandchildren.
Ms. Vuadreu emphasizes the importance of resilience, stating, “It wasn’t easy, but you must take it and deal with what life gives you.” While she sometimes wishes for better health and independence, she is grateful for the long life she has been given and is surrounded by caring daughters and adoring grandchildren.
This narrative highlights not only the legacy of a remarkable woman who has experienced and endured much in her lifetime but also emphasizes the power of family love and the strength found in cherished memories. As she continues to navigate her life, Ms. Vuadreu stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of hope and love.
In summary, Magdalene Vuadreu’s story is one of resilience, family, and the wisdom gained through a rich life of experiences, offering inspiration to all who hear it.
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