Family and friends were saddened to hear of the death this week of one of Wales's oldest residents.
Mrs. Gwladys Maud Bowen passed away peacefully at Sunnybank Residential Home, Narberth, on Monday evening, two hours before the day of her 105th birthday.
Known to all as Auntie Maud, Mrs. Bowen was born at Upper Carvan Farm, Tavernspite, on February 12, 1897, one of eight children of local farmer David Higgon and his wife Jane.
After marrying her husband, Theophilus (Offie), in 1918, the couple farmed at Craig-y-Fettan, near Red Roses for 10 years, before returning to Manchester House, Tavernspite, when Mr. Bowen gave up farming to work in the quarries at Ludchurch.
When Mr. Bowen passed away in 1958, Mrs. Bowen remained at Manchester House until she moved to Sunnybank nearly 12 years ago.
A remarkable lady, Mrs. Bowen, who had an impish sense of humour and love of company, will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
When the Observer spoke to Mrs. Bowen on her 100th birthday, she admitted she had never drunk alcohol or smoked, and put her longevity down to having a good home, a happy life... and hard work.
Mrs. Bowen is survived by two sons, Dennis, a retired stonemason who lives in Tavernspite, and the Rev. Glaslyn Bowen, of Aberdare, together with their families.
See also obituary page.