It’s hard to imagine what life was like 100 years ago. Back in the 1920s, Bermuda really was a different world.

There were no cars or television sets, no telephones, no freshly imported good flying in from foreign shores, none of today’s modern luxuries that we now take for granted.

Inez Wilson doesn’t have to imagine – she was there. And on Saturday the great-grandmother celebrated her 100th birthday among family and friends at Tom Moore’s Tavern in Hamilton Parish.

Ms Wilson, née Astwood, was born in Bermuda on September 18, 1921. She raised seven children while working in the hospitality industry in resorts now long gone.

Because of Covid restrictions, only some of Ms Wilson’s 11 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren were able to make Saturday’s birthday party. Nevertheless, family members from Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles flew in to attend the event. David Burt, the Premier, also made an appearance to offer his best wishes.

One of Mrs Wilson’s daughters, Corrine Fiocca, described her mother as a loving person who always put her children first.

“She worked so hard because she wanted to make sure that we all got a college education – because she never had one,” Ms Fiocca said.

“And guess what? She achieved her life’s ambition.

“Mom installed good values in all her children. She has a strong faith and believes in helping others.”

A second birthday celebration was held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Middle Road, Southampton, yesterday afternoon.