A 94-year-old mother of 13, Seilaoa Tanuvasa Kelemete firmly believes that it is through her service to the high chiefs of her family, the village and church ministers that give her the blessings of longevity.

Held at her residence in Nofoalii, Mrs. Kelemete's families and some of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren hosted a small celebration to mark this milestone.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, the 94-year-old said her constant reminder to her children is that her service to the church, the village and family is what keeps them together and blessed.

"It's a blessing to be here and to continue serving my family and church and see my children grow and develop in the way they are today," she said.

From Seilaoa's 13 children, she now has over 100 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“I feel very blessed to be here today and I owe everything to God for blessing me with 94 years to serve him, my family and our country,” she said.

“Seeing my children come here and celebrate my birthday is one of the greatest treasures I will cherish in my heart.”

Fighting back tears, Seilaoa told her children shortly after her birthday to remember that service is the key to all blessings.

"It is my service to God through the church and to the village that you are now living a blessed life," she cried.

The mother of 13 said she believes her obedience to her parents is the reason why she has lived this long.

“I obeyed my parents with honesty and love. Back then, we would always do whatever it took to make our parents proud and because we didn’t have that much we have right now, life was simple and free from struggle," she added.

“We were free from the influence of this internet that the youth is putting most of their attention to. We saw how great the world is without facing our phones 24/7.”

She also advised the youth of today to become wiser and go to church.

“My advice to the youth of Samoa is the same advice I give my children every day. I talk to them face to face and on the phone to those who reside overseas.

"Always go to church and be honest with your current jobs that God has gifted you with.

“Life isn’t that simple right now as the world is becoming crueler but if we value the nine months our mothers carried us in their wombs and the years they struggled just to give us the best.

“God will reward youths with years of living and that’s what’s important.”