BIOGRAPHY

Maria Aparecida Rosa was born in Minas Gerais, Brazil, on 2 January 1915. She lost her father when she was just five years old. Alongside her brothers, she began working in the fields—on coffee and bean plantations, among other crops. She took on laborious tasks, many of which were difficult even for men.

At some point, she married José Gino Marques, who passed away in 1980. Together, they had ten children, including Aparecida Marques de Souza. She lived for a time in Paraná before relocating to Mato Grosso do Sul in 1964—thirteen years before the state of Mato Grosso was officially divided in 1977.

She was always a deeply religious woman, placing her faith in God and in Our Lady of Aparecida.

At the age of 108, she reportedly had at least 49 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Her age is currently under review.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Aos 108 anos de vida, moradora de Nova Andradina é exemplo de fé, perseverança e superação!” – Nova News, 30 September 2023

GALLERY