New York Couple Celebrates a Combined 212 Years of Life Together
A New York pair will celebrate Saturday when Duranord Veillard turns 108 years old.
This milestone will mean the couple has been married for 82years. Duranord’s wife, Jeanne is currently 104 years old. Her next birthday will be in May when she will turn 105 years old.
On Saturday his very large family, that includes 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, will gather for his 108th birthday, reports 7Online.
“Celebrating his birthday and thanking God for the great life he has led and hoping God will preserve him a long time,” said son Francko Veillard.
When asked the secret to a long life, Duranord gave the credit to God. He also commented that he wished everyone could live as long as he has.
The Veillards are cared for in their daughter’s New York home. Although they have the typical aches and pains of centenarians, they are still very mentally sharp. In fact Duranord still completes a daily exercise routine to this day. He also reportedly remembers dates. He can recount the most important date, the day he got married to Jeanne.
Remarkably, Duranord’s daily routine consists of waking up at 5 a.m. Then he does roughly 5 pushups, drinks tea, oatmeal and fruit. Lunch and supper usually consists of fresh fish and vegetables. Their healthy meals may have contributed to their longevity.
The couple were raised in Haiti, where they met. When Duranord lost his job as a judge in Haiti, they moved to the United States. They have made their home in Spring Valley, New York ever since. Their family has expanded to include5 children, 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Duranord and Jeanne are a good example of how to lead a long, happy life. They can give tips of how to stay married, how to raise a family, the importance of diet and exercise, and how to maintain a positive attitude. Their family is fortunate to have had them this long. It will be interesting to see how many more years they will have together.
Spring Valley resident Duranord Veillard, who will celebrate his 108th birthday on Saturday, holds the American and Haitian flags, while talking with his family, Feb. 26, 2015 in Spring Valley. (Photo: Tania Savayan/The Journal News)
