Mandeville resident celebrates 103rd birthday
“You have to be over 100 years old to be on the cow!” exclaims Mandeville centenarian Carmelite Hubert.
Hubert turned 103 on Aug. 25. For more than 40 years, she has lived and volunteered in Mandeville, living in the same home that she and her husband built in the ’70s.
Her daughters, Lynnette Soules, of Abita Springs, and Letty Jane Clark, of Metairie, are proud to share the many accomplishments of their mother. In addition to her two daughters, Carmelite has three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
“We sure hope we have our mother’s genes,” Soules said. There are a few secrets to her longevity that include pride in family, a glass of wine and daily Mass.
“She loves to drink a glass of red wine each day, and swears that is her health secret. She’s so active and loves her extended family, including grandson and Hall of Fame first baseman, Will Clark,” Soules said.
Her mother also still has a valid driver’s license, and drove around town running errands until she was 100.
Hubert attended Mass daily at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church until recently and was a past president of the Altar Society at the church.
“I used to sew, launder, iron and alter all of the vestments and altar cloths,” she said.
“We had such a great group of ladies that would clean the church every Monday and then gather at the Country Kitchen to have coffee and visit. They always had to put us in the back of the restaurant because we would talk too much,” she said with a laugh.
Hubert loves traveling, as well. She and her daughters have traveled throughout the world, including a 32-day European cruise when she was 99.
“I always have to show people my I.D. in order to prove that I am over 100 years old. No one ever believes me,” she said.
When asked the secret to living such a long and active life, this mother, grandmother and now great-grandmother shares that it’s important to have the right mental attitude.
“I’ve always told my children to choose your attitude, and everything will always be fine.”
