10
M
ary Alice Pemberton (neé Assam) was born in the village of Matelot
on Sunday 25th January 1914. She attended the Matelot RC school.
She began teaching there in January 1931 and left in December 1932 for
the bright lights of the city. She was employed as a clerk in a Charlotte
Street store but the late hours were difficult, at age 19. She spent long days
at home often going to the Sacred Heart Church. She knew nothing about
doctors, far less hospitals but she applied to be a nurse. On 1st September
1933 she entered the Port-of-Spain General Hospital as a Trainee. That
was a hard life. On graduating she chose to work in the Grande Riviere/
Matelot area as the District Nurse, happy to serve the people in the area
where she grew up. On August 16th 1943 at St Ann’s RC Church she
married Kenneth Pemberton the son of an Anglican Canon, rector at La
Brea and finally, at St Margaret’s in Belmont. They had four boys. Kenneth
was a wonderful, involved father who had a strong influence on the work
ethic of the boys, for which all four are well-known. Their marriage lasted
for 43 years until he died.
Following her husband’s career postings in the Public Service, she lived in
Sangre Grande, Indian Walk, Lengua and Chaguanas. They finally settled
in Longdenville where she became known as “Nuss” though she never
served there in an official capacity. Mary Alice endured all the joys and
the tribulations. Many times she pondered how they were going to get
through the rest of the month, and she contributed by running a business
from home as a Licensed Midwife. Yet many times, she willingly answered
calls at all hours from people in the village of Longdenville who could
not afford even the taxi fare to get to the clinic. Several times strangers
called at the gate, usually in the night, and she left hurriedly with the black
The dignity and vocation
of a woman fromMatelot
“doctor’s bag”. The grateful families
often rewarded her with the fruits
of their labour from the fields. Her
table was hardly ever in want. That
was truly community life in which
service and gratitude were the
pillars of the village society.
She encountered different religions,
different social levels, post-colonial
times and the independence era.
Through it all she ruled like a
queen accepting and taking control
over all her circumstances. Mary
Alice’s life is truly a story of the
“dignity and vocation” of women.
She was a liberated woman.
She was independent of spirit,
submissive to the Lord’s callings
and to her marital vows. She was
a partner to her husband and he
always recognized it, to the very
end. She helped many young
women in their careers, in their
marriages and in their suffering.
Now they visit her regularly
bringing joy and comfort in her
old age. Her sense of humour
is matched only by her oratory
marked by an eighteen minute
speech at her birthday party,
without any notes. She is a woman
who enjoyed life.
At 100 years old Mrs Mary
Pemberton seems to be more of
an accomplished modern woman
than a traditional old lady. Her
life presents us with much to think
about concerning love, gratitude,
devotion, independence, service
and partnership in marriage. We
thank her for always answering the
call through all her fears, doubts,
trials and tribulations. She consoled
many with the consolation which
she received for herself. Today, she
is a happy, contented woman who
remembers her years only with joy
and humour. She wakes up every
morning thanking God, leaving
Him to direct the next day in her
life, as He has done for 100 years.
“Happy 100th Birthday Mary”
