Ida Freitas, St. Stephen Diocesan Center resident who turns 104 on April 8, attributes her long life to daily rosary and Mass, keeping busy, laughing frequently and eating plenty papaya. (Photo courtesy of Steve and Deni Smith)
By Steve and Deni Smith
Special to the Herald
Adelaida Barboza Freitas (Ida) was born April 8, 1912, in Sprecklesville, Maui. Growing up on a sugar plantation, with 11 siblings was not easy, but it taught Ida many important lessons that have helped carry her through 104 years of life. Devotion to God and the church was always “number one,” followed by honesty, dependability, hard work, self-discipline, hospitality and, of course, a great sense of humor.
So what is a typical day like for Ida? She begins at 3 a.m. with 45 minutes of prayer. Then Ida makes her coffee and breakfast, which she normally eats at 5 a.m. After breakfast she prepares for daily Mass at the Carmelite Monastery on the grounds of St. Stephen Diocesan Center. On ordinary days, Mass would be followed by Ida searching the gardens around her house and the monastery for flowers. Her favorites are anthuriums and pink roses.
Ida has been decorating the Carmelite chapel since she moved to the St. Stephen complex in 1985. This self-taught arranger is a master at assembling flowers and greenery into breathtaking tributes to the Blessed Mother and her Son.
During the Christmas and Easter seasons, Mass is often followed by a busy morning in Ida’s second kitchen in her basement where she prepares her famous jellies, jams and butters (guava, lilikoi, papaya-pineapple). Even the nation’s First Family has sampled her delicious goodies.
Ida has also donated her flowers, plants, jellies, jams and butters to the Koolau Senior Hui where they are sold to raise funds for senior activities.
If Ida isn’t busy cooking, gardening or decorating the chapel, she will probably be cleaning her house (it is always neat and tidy), sewing, or launching a new project … but never napping. By 7:30 p.m., Ida will have fixed and eaten dinner and be ready to retire, unless one of her favorite TV shows is on, like “Dancing With the Stars.”
Ida’s ohana, which includes her three sons, eight grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, is very supportive, encouraging Ida’s continued independence.
When asked about some of her secrets to a long and healthy life, Ida’s responses include praying the rosary, attending daily Mass, keeping busy, laughing frequently and eating lots of papaya and fish.
Knowing Ida is a true blessing and an inspiration. For us, she exemplifies one of our favorite Scripture quotes: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.”
God bless you Ida on your 104th birthday!
