Maria Gauvin, the oldest living person in the French region of Brittany, passed away in Grand-Fougeray on 30 November, at the age of 111 years, 100 days. Her passing was first reported by Ouest-France.
Gauvin was born in the village of Méhandoul in the commune of Sainte-Anne-sur-Vilaine, Ille-et-Vilaine department, Brittany, France, on 22 August 1913. In 1935, she married Pierre Gauvin and went on to have six children (including Michel, Madeleine, and Marie). The couple worked together on a farm in Port-de-Roche.
At some point during World War II, her husband was mobilized, leaving her alone with young children and pregnant on the family farm. Her father-in-law came to help her, and the entire family took care of the children until her husband returned. He managed to avoid being captured during the war and safely crossed into free France before returning to the village. After retiring in 1967, they purchased a house in La Théotière, also located in Sainte-Anne-sur-Vilaine, near their eldest daughter Marie Hamon. Her husband passed away in 1977.
Featured image: At the age of 105. (Photo credit: L’Éclaireur)
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Maria Gauvin during this difficult time.
