On Sunday, June 3, 2018, the friends and members of the Mount Olive Seventh-day Adventist church gathered in the church’s regally decorated McKenzie Hall at 1030 Albion Road to celebrate its centenarian member, Sis. Ida Gunn. Sis. Gunn who officially celebrated her 100th birthday on April 28, 2018 is a Jamaican by birth who has resided in Canada almost 20 years.
According to her daughter, Lorraine Gooden, who spoke proudly of the heritage and Christian upbringing gained from her mother, her mother’s every action is borne out of love for God and her neighbors (and not just immediate ones either). She befriends any and every one she encounters. Sis Sandra Wedderburn gave a brief biography detailing her business exploits in Jamaica where for many years she very successfully operated both bakery and retail enterprises. Quoting another daughter, Ivy Francis, “she also loves gardening and is successful at anything she puts her hand to.”
Tributes were also given by Pastors Halsey Peat representing the Ontario Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Stanley McFarlane, Seniors Ministry Elder, Kenneth Gayle, and Sis Daphne Dixon. Each spoke eloquently of the beautiful spirit of Sis Gunn, her steadfast Christian faith and Christ-like personality. Sis Ruth-Ann Simpson and her great-granddaughter Melissa Robinson celebrated her in song. Just for this occasion was a poem composed and orated by Kallai-Ann Simpson.
Awards were presented on behalf of North Etobicoke MPP, Shafiq Qaardri, and Councillor, Vincent Crisanti, as well as a plaque from the President of the Ontario Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, Dr. Mansfield Edwards. In addition, the Seniors department of the Church, under the leadership of Sis. Veronica Lyttle presented her with a gift basket.
Rising from her seeming golden throne, where she was flanked by grandchildren Erica Burrell and Fritzroy Leach, Sis Gunn expressed thanks and appreciation to everyone who made the day possible and came to celebrate with her.
We wish Sis Gunn 100 more blessed years!!