Hilda Marie Smith, believed to be the oldest Bermudian, died on Friday at the age of 106.

The only daughter of Edwin and Edna Smith, Ms Smith was born on October 21, 1907. Raised by her grandparents and her aunt, she developed a lasting love for music, learning to play the piano, harp and tenor saxophone.

After studying in Canada, she taught kindergarten classes at the old Talbot school before moving to Harrington Sound School, St David’s Primary and Elliot Primary. She retired at the age of 65, and spent her later years at the Packwood Home in Somerset, still playing piano for the church groups that would visit.

In 2009, Ms Smith made headlines when she played “God Save the Queen” at Dockyard’s Clocktower to welcome Queen Elizabeth II.

Asked on her 106th birthday about her longevity, she told The Royal Gazette: “I have no secret. I am in the Lord’s hand. He did that. I just did what pleased him.”