Music and Smiles To Celebrate 100 Years

“Pretty in Pink” applies to many ages and Thursday, December 7, 2023, it was a term for 100-year-old Carmen Cabrera Jimenez, whose lovely pink dress was matched with balloons and other decorations to celebrate her centennial.

The ABC-Alsy Adult Day Care Center in Homestead was the site of the memorable event, and the room was crowded with well-wishers. Liveley music mingled with laughter, and that was before the Mariachi Band arrived with a series of songs.

At one point, a traditional festive large hat was placed on the head of, “the birthday girl,” and prolonged applause reverberated.

The life in Lugareno Camaguey, Cuba that began December 5, 1923 later included Carlos Agramonte and daughters, Grizel Agramonte and Karmen Duran. The move to California in 1971, however, was the single mother and her two young children. The woman who was determined to be independent was a skilled seamstress and she not only provided for her family, but did so rarely asking for help.

“My mother’s philosophy is to work hard and support yourself and take care of your responsibilities,” Duran later said. “She was into being very able; do what you have to do when you have to do it. She was a very good example and taught me that.”

Duran, who married Brian Ivers, moved from California in 1982; his family in nearby Miami. Duran, who taught for twelve years at South Dade Senior High School, specialized in working with Intellectually Disabled Students.

Her time is now devoted to her mother, and her sister, aged 72, who has Cerebral Palsy. Her husband may be in a house filled with women, but their miniature pinscher, Browny, adds to the mix and, “creates happiness in the house.”