One of few Samoan centenarians Tele Semu celebrated her 101th birthday in her home at Tufulele on Sunday and credits God's grace for her longevity.  

Mrs Semu was at her home in Tufulele surrounded by family and celebrating her birthday when the Samoa Observer visited her for an interview. 

She said there is only one explanation for her longevity in life and that is God's grace over the last 101 years. 

"I believe that God's grace works in mysterious ways," she said. "My God has been so faithful to me, I know that he loves me and that's how I was able to live for these many years. 

"He gives me strength every day of my life. I am still strong as you can see.

"I can feel God's grace and love for me through my health and my years of living."

A mother to nine and a grandmother and great grandmother to over 50 children, Mrs. Semu has three children who are currently abroad and unable to attend her 101 birthday due to travel restrictions associated with the pandemic.

But it wasn't something that would stop a centenarian from celebrating with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Samoa.

"I am very happy today, I have served our Lord through the church, through the Auso-Fealofani (Church women committee), and this is my reward are my years of living in this life," she added. 

"God's grace is also seen in my children's success and those that are born from me. My prayers every day have been answered through them."

According to Mrs Semu, she is not someone who wants expensive things or different meals and is content with a vegetable soup to eat every day.

"I only want a soup that has a lot of vegetables such as peas, tomatoes, cucumber and others because it helps me stay healthy and strong. I am more than healthy," she said.

And she still does chores around the house and she also weeds the grass in front of their home when she feels like she is up for it.

"If I feel that I am strong enough, I go outside and help with the chores, but I feel weak and a bit sick then I stay inside the house and rest. Sometimes when I stay inside the house and I get bored I walk from chairs to chairs to exercise my body."

Semu's daughter-in-law, Mouega Tito told this newspaper that her mother-in-law is not a hard person to look after as she is very easy.

"Our old lady really isn't hard to look after, every day in the morning, she only eats bread and drink the Samoan cocoa and in the afternoon she would only want to eat a vegetable soup," she said.

"She never wants to make our lives harder, she is one of the best mothers I have looked after. Tele, ever since I took care of her I have never had any hard time while looking after her. She is always an easy person, never been difficult."