Dolores María Vázquez de Martínez, the oldest living person in Panama, passed away in Natá, Coclé Province, on October 23rd, at the age of 113 years, 175 days.
Dolores María Vázquez was born in Natá, Coclé Province, Panama, on 1 May 1911, to parents José Aeno Vázquez and Genoveva Díaz. She described her birthplace, then a small village, as a bleak and unattractive place when she was eight years old—a field with grassy, muddy, and stony paths, where houses were built from mud, straw, and tiles. She recalled the ditches that would fill with water whenever it rained.
In July 1933, at the age of 22, she married José Juventino Martínez, with whom she had only one daughter but raised five more children (three girls and two boys). Her husband passed away at the age of 85.
Lola, as she was affectionately called by her friends and family, was described as an exemplary, selfless, and incredibly helpful woman. She would cook in a small pot yet feed many, driven purely by her generosity. She was also known as a healer, often sought out by those who came to her for home remedies whenever they felt unwell.
Featured image: Panamá América
LongeviQuest sends our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Dolores María Vázquez.
