For twins Maxine Ethel and Maureen Helen Bodden, the youngest of four children and members of a well-known Caymanian family, giving has always been ‘twice joyful.’
As they have for many years, the sisters provide substantial help, quietly and regularly, to countless people through the Walkers Road Church of God Chapel and through Triple C School, their alma mater, and their businesses. Scores more – elderly residents included – benefit on an individual basis.
Now it is time for the givers to receive: the 65-year-olds are awarded the Certificate and Badge of Honour for their services to the people of the Cayman Islands, “especially the poor and needy.” Their response? “We are humbled. We view what we do as God’s work, done in the sheer joy of knowing we can make a difference in people’s lives.”
However, there are times when their desire to share with the community is neither quiet nor restrained. Each year this dynamic duo is behind the scenes, converting their South Church Street home and yard into a Christmas wonderland, a landmark tourist attraction that nightly draws numerous visitors, locals and tourists alike.
The twins readily acknowledge that they feel honoured to continue the tradition started by their beloved parents, the late Valda (nee Merren) and Capt. Theophilus (Theo) R. Bodden, OBE. “They were both such giving people and they also taught us to work hard and give back to the community.”
In fact Ms. Maxine and Ms. Maureen have even expanded that festive tradition. Now, they invariably host Pines Retirement Home residents for an evening of live music, refreshments, and a chance to see and enjoy the lights and sights.
Busy year-round, they still find time every day to welcome into their home one or two special child guests who are in need of after school care and mothering. Some proud moments also occurred for Maxine (the elder by ten minutes) and Maureen, when they received Mother’s Day tributes, acknowledging the fine job they do with their ‘church children.’
Active in church at many levels, the twins re-double their efforts when it comes to a couple of their pet projects, the children’s choir and decorating the church sanctuary for Christmas.They are also justly proud that Maxine is one of the youngest persons to have chaired the board of trustees at their church, as well as to serve on the board of directors at Triple C. She currently chairs the church’s Finance and Property Management Board.
However, for both Ms. Maxine and Ms. Maureen, the most telling testament in their experience is their true love for Cayman’s needy persons. They feel that in this, as in other important aspects of their lives, they are richly blessed.
