Mrs. Evelyn Isaac, originally born Evelyn Youde, celebrated a remarkable milestone on her 100th birthday on Monday, June 8, 2026. Residing here on St. Helena, Evelyn’s century of life is full of rich memories, profound faith, and a long-lasting sense of gratitude.
Growing up in Deadwood, young Evelyn was known for her energy and high spirits. She fondly recalls the opening of the Deadwood gate, a task near her home that enclosed local pastureland, and an activity that almost every neighborhood child eagerly raced to do. Whenever visitors or ladies on horseback needed to pass through, the quick-footed schoolgirl would run to open the gate, earning herself a shilling, half a crown, or sometimes even sweets and chocolates
Considering herself a lucky girl born under a good star, she also became a trusted person for a prominent figure on the Island. Madame Colin, the French Consul’s wife from Napoleon’s house, once stopped her on Longwood Avenue to recruit her for running errands.
Young Evelyn proudly carried messages along the long, what she describes as intimidating roads from Willow Bank to Mrs. Hands, and down to Mrs. Pritchard at The Briars, earning coins that made her feel quite rich. Her education she recalls took place at Hutt’s Gate School under the strict, often cane-wielding orders of Mr. Maurice Young, and she faithfully attended St. Matthew’s Sunday School, walking all the way from deadwood to Hut’s Gate.
At around the age of eighteen, Evelyn’s life changed when she caught the eye of Fred Isaac, a military man whose barracks was at Longwood. Despite her strict father’s warnings not to rush into marriage, Fred respectfully asked for her hand, and the two were wed. Fred’s career in the army eventually took him overseas to the UK and into dangerous jungle territories in the far East. He earned bravery medals after famously surviving an encounter with an enemy by cleverly hiding behind the body of a large tree.
Evelyn was not one to be left behind on the Island. After expressing her desire to work overseas with Mr. Jack Thorpe and passing a medical examination, she traveled to England. One of her fondest and most prestigious memories is accompanying her husband to Buckingham Palace, where a sovereign lady pinned shining medals of bravery upon her husband, Fred’s chest. (A medal highly recognised in the army) Despite her frequent, humorous jokes that “you can’t trust the men, but you always trust the women,” she remembers Fred as a deeply honest provider who later became a respected St. Helena police sergeant, known for his military-style drilling. He never left her without a penny, and his eventual passing after suffering from cancer left her shedding tears in secret upon her pillow.
Throughout her long life, Evelyn was a devoted mother to her five children. While on Ascension Island, she convinced one of her sons to decline an offer from a local Bishop to travel to South Africa, as she was worried for his safety. Sadly, her son later passed away from the same illness that had claimed his father. Yet, despite these profound losses and the struggles of her early years, Evelyn’s motherly resilience and unwavering faith carried her through
Now at 100 years old, Evelyn resides comfortably in the Community Care Centre at Ladder Hill. She spends her days reading the Bible from Genesis down to Revelation and reflecting on the wisdom of her youth. True to her humble roots, she never complains about her meals, frequently quoting the belief that in the last days, people may have money but be unable to buy food. As she prepared to attend a special birthday celebration at the Governor’s residence at Plantation House, a place she used to visit with her husband, though she preferred sliding in the front door quietly on her own, Evelyn remained as sharp and spirited as ever. Greeting everyone with a smile, Evelyn continues to remind her friends, family, and visitors of the old island wisdom: time and tide waits for no man.
Mrs. Isaac, I am sure the readers of this article will join me in saying a belated “Happy Birthday,” and well done on achieving this great milestone.