Mrs. Eloise Furbert celebrated her 100th birthday on August 3. On her birthday, Acting Premier The Hon. Diallo Rabain JP, MP, accompanied by MP Leroy Bean and Mr. Derrick Burgess, visited Mrs. Furbert and presented her with a gift basket on behalf of the Government of Bermuda.
Born on August 3, 1926, to Leopold and Marjory Furbert (née Darrell), Mrs. Furbert was the eldest of five children. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, completed postgraduate studies at the University of London, and later obtained a Master's degree in languages, including English, Latin, and French, from Columbia University in New York.
Mrs. Furbert devoted her professional life to education, teaching at The Berkeley Institute, the Sixth Form Centre, and the Adult Education Centre. During the visit, she recalled the opening of the Sixth Form Centre and shared memories from her years in education. She is remembered by many former students who later went on to successful careers in Bermuda and abroad.
Her service to Bermuda extended beyond the classroom. She served as a Justice of the Peace, was the first female director of the then Bank of Bermuda, and served on the Treatment of Offenders Board.
Mrs. Furbert was married to the late Frederick Shirley Furbert, former Principal of The Berkeley Institute and a well-known speaker and preacher. She is the mother of three sons: Andrew Furbert, the late F. Michael Furbert and the late Stephen Furbert.
A longtime member of the Harrington Sound Gospel Hall Assembly, Mrs. Furbert spoke warmly about her strong Christian faith during the visit and reflected on her many years attending the Brethren church.
Her interests included reading, writing skits for church events, playing the piano, collaborating on theatrical productions, decorating Christmas trees for charitable organisations, and painting in watercolour and acrylic.
Mrs. Furbert is also remembered for her lifelong devotion to caring for her son, Stephen, who faced mental health challenges from an early age and passed away earlier this year.
The Government extends congratulations and best wishes to Mrs. Furbert on the occasion of her 100th birthday.
