Aug. 1, 2007 — Eulalie Rohlsen Rivera, culture bearer, educator and political trailblazer, celebrates her 100th birthday Thursday.
"Thank God I lived to see it," said Rivera, who is affectionately known as "Marlee" to all her friends. Rivera sat down for an interview at the Aldersville Senior Center, where she goes every afternoon to socialize with her friends.
Rivera was born Aug. 2, 1907, in Frederiksted to Carl Rohlsen and Henrietta Williams. Because her mother died soon after she was born, Rivera was raised in homes for children. There she was instilled with the love of learning, and was selected by her teachers to help instruct the kindergarten class. This sowed the seeds of her teaching career, which would span more than 30 years.
She credits her long life to her early diet: "My mother died in childbirth, and I was raised in the Queen Louise Home and the Ebenezer Orphanage. The food we ate strengthened our bodies.”
Approaching her 100th year has not stopped Rivera from continuing to enjoy life and doing the things she likes to do.
"I like to go for drives, and go to the casino when I have money," she said with a grin. Her other pastimes include going to visit friends, talking to people and playing bingo at the senior center.
Rivera says she lives a "normal life." She still lives alone in the small white house which she's lived for more than 50 years. She prepares some of her own food, but she does have a housekeeper to help her and prepare meals. Rivera is often seen at government and social functions around St. Croix. Everywhere she goes she receives the highest respect and courtesy.
"If anyone sees I need help, they help me," said the independent senior. "I am getting weak. I have to be careful how I walk so I don’t fall down."
Rivera taught at the Christiansted kindergarten and later at the Diamond School. When the Diamond School closed 25 years later, she was transferred to La Grande Princess School. In 1960, she was assigned to Claude O. Markoe School and remained on its faculty until she retired in 1974.
While teaching, Rivera joined civic organizations in an effort to give back to her community. She served as president of the Women's League of St. Croix, supervisor of the Lutheran Church Sunday School, charter member of the St. Croix Business and Professional Women's Club, and member of the Frederiksted Democratic Club, Frederiksted Hospital Auxiliary, V.I. League of Women Voters, Committee on Aging and Friends of Denmark. She was one of the founders of the Independent Citizens Movement political party on St. Croix.
Rivera has long been conscious of the need to preserve the Crucian culture. She was involved with initiating the Christmas Festival, which has become an annual community event. In recognition of her contributions, several organizations have paid tribute to her. In 1967, the Frederiksted Business and Professional Women's Club named Rivera woman of the year. That same year, the faculty and staff of the Claude O. Markoe School honored her as teacher of the year.
On Feb. 19, 1974, the Legislature of the Virgin Islands approved Act 3521, which re-named the Grove Place Elementary School the Eulalie Rivera School in honor of her years of devoted service in the field of education.
In 1980, Rivera ran for a seat on the V.I. Board of Education. She won and became a member of the certification, buildings, and curriculum committees. She would serve on the board for more than 10 years in various capacities, including vice chair and chairperson.
Rivera wrote an autobiography, Growing Up in St. Croix, which was published in 1987. The book is an account of her life that reflects the attitudes and outlook of the islands during that time.
Rivera's biggest supporter is her grandson, Sen. Ronald Russell. He is planning a grand celebration for the woman who raised him. It will be held Saturday at Fort Frederik and feature several musical groups, lots of food and a slide show of his grandmother's life.
Admission to the gala is by invitation, and it will run from 6 to 8 p.m.
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