SOUTH OZONE PARK — Rosita Lewis never imagined she’d live to 105, but now that she has, she credits God for her longevity. “Who else would do it? No one else can,” Lewis said. “I love my God, and I talk to him all the time.” Lewis, a beloved parishioner of St. Teresa of Avila Church in South Ozone Park for over 40 years, celebrated the milestone on June 14, three days after her birthday.
Family and friends joined Lewis for Mass at the church before continuing the celebration with a gathering to honor her faith and over a century of life well lived.
When Lewis first joined the church, she served as a catechist in the parish’s faith formation programs, participated in prayer groups, and became like family to many. She is also known for the handmade rosaries she has crafted for the past 15 years.
“I have a set of beads to give away right now. I give them to anybody, and I don’t charge them,” she said. “It makes me feel very good. I’m doing something for the Lord.”
Rosanna Hilman, who has known Lewis for 30 years, said it was Lewis who first brought her closer to the rosary and to her faith.
“I came to church one evening, and she offered me a rosary. I didn’t know her. I thought it was just for the rosary group, and she said, ‘It doesn’t matter that you’re not in the group; I wanted you to have this,’ ” Hilman recalled. “Ever since then, I started praying the rosary on a regular basis. She really brought me closer to God and the Blessed Mother, and I will appreciate that for the rest of my life.”
Lewis’ niece, Trina Charles-Casimire, traveled from Trinidad to surprise her aunt. She arrived on June 10, the night before Lewis’ birthday. She slept in her aunt’s bedroom that night, and in the morning, Lewis was surprised to find her niece there.
“We hugged, and we hugged, and we didn’t want to let each other go. It was so beautiful,” Charles-Casimire said, adding that she and her family “have to celebrate [Lewis] every opportunity we can.”
Gillian Lewis spoke about growing up watching her mother’s faith shape the family’s life from the very beginning.
“She has always been the backbone of this family and continues to be a very prayerful person,” Gillian said. “She prays for her family, her friends. We love her unconditionally.”
Lewis’ birthday celebration was organized by her longtime friend, Dennie Foster.
“I don’t know anybody 105, and to be a part of a parish community with a centenarian, that is all because of the goodness of God and the blessings he has bestowed on her,” Foster said. “We all thank God for her.”