party was thrown to mark her 100th year.

The great-great-grandmother was surrounded by her friends and family at her home at Matilda Smith Williams Senior's Residence in Devonshire for the celebratory bash, also attended by Health Minister Nelson Bascome.

Mrs. Pitt, who had three children, one of them now deceased, is a former nanny, whose charges included Dr. Eugene Harvey and Margaret Harvey Lloyd.

Yesterday, they were among the party guests wishing her well.

Mrs. Pitt's daughter Alice Place said it was no surprise to anyone that her mother had lived to such a grand old age -- her own mother Lavinia Simons lived until she was 96.

Mrs. Place, 74, said: "We don't really know what her secret to a long life is, but she never drank or smoked. My mother also never ate red meat, just chicken and fish, and she walked a lot when she was younger.

"She was able to pretty much look after herself until November last year, when she moved here because her health was deteriorating.'' Yesterday the birthday girl was in fine form. While singer and guitarist George Symonds serenaded, Mrs. Pitt, who is originally from Warwick, tapped her toes with the best of them.

Her daughter added: "My mother doesn't like a lot of fuss, but I think she is taking today in her stride. She has been wondering where everyone has come from. It's been a lovely party.'' Mr. Bascome, who attended the party in place of Premier Jennifer Smith, read a letter to the senior citizen written by his party leader.

He said: "You have lived through monumental change. You have seen the arrival of electricity, the motor car, the telephone, and now, the computer.

"I hope, however, some things have not changed -- in particular Bermudians' customary friendliness, respect for one another and the tradition of family closeness.

"On behalf of the Government and the people of Bermuda, happy, happy centenary.'' Mrs. Pitt, whose husband David died more than 35 years ago, has nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Margaret Jane Pitt