Resilience, faith, and love
‘Miss Fanny’ continues to shape lives at 105-y-o, says she intends to mark 120th birthday
FRANCES Christina Knight, affectionately known as Miss Fanny, who celebrated her 105th birthday on December 18, has been lauded for a lifetime of service and dedication.
The milestone was marked with heartfelt tributes, including a special surprise from Malta and the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), which presented Miss Fanny and her adopted son, Michael Piasecki, with a care package and supermarket vouchers as part of their Christmas give-back initiative.
Miss Fanny’s legacy is one of unwavering resilience, faith, and love. For decades she shaped countless lives at the Jamaica Christian Boys’ Home where she served as superintendent and director for several years.
Among the lives she impacted was that of Piasecki, who came under her care at age five. Now 36, Piasecki credits Miss Fanny for instilling values of humility, hard work, and purpose.
“She gave us more than care; she gave us a family,” Piasecki shared.
“Her strength and sacrifices created a nurturing home where we felt loved, protected, and valued,” added Piasecki.
Separated from his biological parents at a young age, Piasecki found a mother figure in Miss Fanny, who raised him and many others with unwavering dedication. Despite limited resources, she ran a small dressmaking business to ensure the boys had food, education, and opportunities.
“She wasn’t even our flesh and blood, yet she fought tirelessly, worked hard, and made sacrifices to send us to school and ensure we had what we needed, even with so little,” said Piasecki.
He thrived under Miss Fanny’s care, attending Saint Francis Primary School and Dunoon Park Technical High School before earning a degree in logistics and supply chain from Northern Caribbean University.
“I am living proof of her dedication and the transformative power of the Jamaica Christian Boys’ Home,” he said.
Miss Fanny’s influence extended beyond the boys’ home. A lifelong Christian, she founded three churches under the Church of Christ corporation and continues to lead the congregation in August Town. Despite her advancing years, she remains a beloved and respected figure in her community.
“She’s known everywhere — August Town, Michelle Town, Mountain View,” Piasecki said. “Her no-nonsense demeanour is matched only by her deeply compassionate spirit. She has shaped not just my life, but countless others.”
Now, at 105, Miss Fanny finds herself adjusting to a new role — receiving care rather than providing it — a change she often resists.
Piasecki, who lived with her for a decade, recalls her reluctance with a smile.
“She calls me annoying sometimes because she’s not used to being cared for. In her mind, she’s still in charge, and we’re still the children she raised,” he said.
Balancing a full-time job and plans to further his studies, Piasecki recently moved out, ensuring Miss Fanny receives full-time support from a caregiver. However, he remains actively involved. “I check in regularly to make sure everything is in order — bills are paid, her pension is collected, and her needs are met. It’s my way of honouring everything she’s done for me and so many others,” he said.
As Miss Fanny confidently declares her intention to live to 120, Piasecki wholeheartedly champions this belief, noting that she remains remarkably strong, despite occasional signs of ageing. He shares her hope, eager to continue learning from her wisdom as he grows and carves his own path in life.
