The Virgin Islands has lost two of its oldest and most revered citizens this week with the deaths of Edna "Auntie Edna" Augusta Adams and Mary Serita "Miss Anna" Thomas.
Adams died early Thursday morning at home at the age of 105. Thomas, who was 102, died Sunday morning.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull extended condolences Thursday from Washington, D.C., to the families of both women.
"Auntie Edna," who is thought to have been the oldest native Virgin Islander, "was known throughout the community as an expert seamstress," Turnbull said. "Her meticulous and skillful work kept the ladies of the St. Thomas community well-dressed and stylish.
"She was a devoted aunt and adopted mother to many. And her service to mankind was strengthened by her devotion to the church. As a member in good standing of the Frederick Lutheran Evangelical Church, 'Miss Edna' could often be seen climbing the stairs to and from service each Sunday."
Adams was also an avid cook and gardener, even in her final days.
"Miss Anna," the governor said, "served as surrogate mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend to the members of the Thomas family as well as a very large extended family which included the congregation of the Lutheran Church of the Reformation."
Both women were part of the generation that witnessed the transfer of the islands from Denmark to the United States in 1917 and the many changes, here and elsewhere, since then: electric lights, women's suffrage, airplane travel, cellular phones, computers.
In a recent story in the V.I. Independent, Adams' niece Gwen, with whom she lived, said her aunt's only regret was not having learned to drive.