Olivette Labonne, the oldest living person in Mauritius, celebrated her 110th birthday in Vacoas-Phoenix on 7 January. Her birthday was first reported on Facebook by Robert Hungley, the country’s current vice president, who visited her.
Olivette Labonne claims to have been born in Saint Pierre, Moka District, Mauritius, on 7 January 1916. She was the youngest of four children. Olivette learned the trade of seamstress, a profession she would practice throughout her life. She chose as her life partner Hermann Leste, a man 20 years her senior. Reportedly, social opposition to their union led the couple to be treated as outcasts. Together, they had two sons and two daughters.
The couple settled in Port Louis, where they devoted themselves to raising their children. French was the only language spoken at home. After her husband’s death, Olivette spent nearly 20 years living in Abidjan, London, Montreal, La Teste in France, and Detroit, Michigan.
On 6 August 2024, following the passing of Irlande Richard, she became the oldest known living person in Mauritius.
LongeviQuest extends warm congratulations to Olivette Labonne on her 110th birthday.
