Olivette Labonne, the oldest living person in Mauritius, passed away on 31 January, at the age of 110 years, 24 days.
Labonne claimed to have been born in Saint Pierre, Moka District, Mauritius, on 7 January 1916. She was the youngest of four children. She 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. A divorced woodturner with a deep love of literature, he also displayed a remarkable talent for writing. 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. 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.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Olivette Labonne during this difficult time.
