Death of Olivette Labonne, the Oldest Woman in Mauritius, at the Age of 110
She had just celebrated her 110th birthday on January 7. Olivette Labonne, the oldest resident of the Republic of Mauritius, has passed away.
She experienced over a century of history before her departure. Olivette Labonne, aged 110, died on Saturday, January 31. She lived in Albion. She became the oldest person in Mauritius after the death of Irlande Richard, who passed away in August 2024, also at the age of 110.
Born on January 7, 1916, in Saint-Pierre during World War I, Olivette Labonne was the youngest of four siblings. She lost her mother at the age of seven, a formative experience that would deeply impact her life journey.
A passionate seamstress, she practiced her trade with dedication and consistency, driven by a true entrepreneurial spirit.
Throughout her life, she faced numerous historical and personal upheavals with resilience and dignity. Alongside her husband, Hermann Leste, she raised two sons and two daughters, instilling in them a love for the French language and essential values such as hard work, solidarity, humility, and integrity.
The Vice President of the Republic, Robert Hungley, attended her 110th birthday celebration. In a message published on this occasion, he praised "this little woman," a living witness to the history of the country, mentioning her as a true lesson in life.
Contacted on Monday, February 2, by www.defimedia.info, Robert Hungley shared his last memories with Olivette Labonne. He remarked on her sharpness of mind despite her fragile health. She moved around in a wheelchair and had suffered a mild stroke a few months prior. The vice president also recalled knowing her in his childhood in Plaisance, Rose-Hill, where Olivette Labonne’s son had been his teacher.
Details regarding the funeral will be communicated later.
Good to Know
As of December 2025, the Republic of Mauritius had 213 centenarians, of which 203 were in Mauritius and 10 in Rodrigues.
Mauritius has also lost another centenarian at the beginning of February. Mareemootoo Velvindron, born Tirvengadum, passed away at the age of 100. Her funeral took place on Monday, February 2.