A devoted educator, whose service to Bermuda has extended far outside the classroom, celebrated her 100th birthday this week.

Eloise Furbert marked the milestone on Monday, when she received a visit from Diallo Rabain, the Acting Premier, accompanied by Leroy Bean, a backbench MP, and Derrick Burgess, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly and ardent trade unionist.

The three presented the centenarian with a gift basket on behalf of the Government of Bermuda.

Born on August 3, 1926, to Leopold and Marjory, Ms Furbert was the eldest of five children.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, completed postgraduate studies at the University of London, and later obtained a master's degree in languages, including English, Latin and French, from Columbia University in New York.

Ms Furbert devoted her professional life to education, teaching at The Berkeley Institute, the Sixth Form Centre and the Adult Education Centre.

During the visit, she recalled the opening of the Sixth Form Centre and shared memories from her years in education.

Among her many former students were those who went on to successful careers on the island and overseas.

Ms Furbert’s service to Bermuda extended beyond the classroom.

She served as a Justice of the Peace, was the first female director of the Bank of Bermuda, which became HSBC, and served on the Treatment of Offenders Board.

She was married to the late Frederick Shirley Furbert, a former principal of The Berkeley Institute and a well-known speaker and preacher.

She is the mother of three sons — Andrew Furbert, the late Michael Furbert and the late Stephen Furbert.

A longtime member of the Harrington Sound Gospel Hall Assembly, Ms Furbert spoke warmly about her strong Christian faith during the visit and reflected on her many years attending the Brethren Church.

Her interests include reading, writing skits for church events, playing the piano, collaborating on theatrical productions, decorating Christmas trees for charitable organisations and painting in watercolour and acrylic.

Ms Furbert is also noted for a lifelong devotion to caring for her son, Stephen, who faced mental health challenges from an early age and passed away this year.