BIOGRAPHY

Maria Barbero was born in Villata, Piedmont, Italy, on 1 November 1913. She lost her father in World War I when she was just 2 or 3 years old. She was baptized on 3 November 1913, two days after her birth. As a child, she attended school until third grade, then began working at a young age. By 13, she was already working as a rice weeder. Her employer agreed to pay her the adult wage due to her impressive productivity even as a young girl. On 1 September 1934, she married Pierino Gagliazzi, who passed away in 1960. Together, they had three children: Anna, Piera, and Francesco.

According to her son, Father (Don) Francesco Gagliazzi, she always displayed remarkable determination and strength of spirit. Resourceful and resilient, she never gave up, making any sacrifice necessary to support her family. Since 1967, when her son was ordained as a priest, she accompanied him to every parish he served. In 2016, they moved together to Arona.

Maria Barbero passed away in Arona, Piedmont, Italy, on 12 November 2023, at the age of 110 years, 11 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Ad Arona compleanno da record: quota 110 per Maria” – Prima Novara, 7 November 2023

GALLERY