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Maria Dupuis turns 100 years old on May, 15, 2008. Davie officials honored the centenarian at the April 16, 2008, Town Council meeting by proclaiming, May 15, 2008, “Maria Dupuis Day.”
Maria Contois was born in 1908 in Asbestos, Quebec. Her family moved to Massachusetts where she married Andrew Dupuis. In 1951, Maria, Andrew, and daughter Rita moved to Hollywood, Florida, where they built and operated a motel.
After the death of her husband in 1976, Maria moved to Country Pines in Davie where she has lived for over 30 years.
As an avid reader, Ms. Dupuis yearned to visit the places which she had read about in her books. Her travels, beginning at age 83 and accompanied by her daughter and son-in-law, Rita and Dr. H. Liberman, took her to places such as Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and Ireland.
The Dupuis family has grown to include grandson Steve, his wife Elizabeth, and great-grandsons, Marc and James, who visit often.
Ms. Dupuis gave up driving her car at age 95, but she continues to have breakfast with her daughter at her favorite restaurant, the Garden Grill in Davie. Another favorite place of Maria’s is the Davie Road Bridge that traverses the C-11 canal, as shown in the photo. The photo was recently taken with Davie Mayor Tom Truex.
“This lovely lady has earned the love, respect, and admiration of people from all walks of life, and I am happy to be a part of her birthday celebration,” said Mayor Truex.
When asked, what is the secret to a living long life? Maria replied, " First, no smoking; second, good genes; third, the love of your family.”
Mayor Tom Truex and Maria Dupuis at the Davie Road bridge.
On behalf of the Town Council, Mayor Truex presents Maria Dupuis the proclamation as her son-in-law Dr. H. Liberman (left), and daughter Rita Liberman look on.
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