Maria Dolores de Jesus Gomes Ferreira was a Portuguese supercentenarian. Her age has been validated by the Gerontology Research Group, the European Supercentenarian Organisation (ESO), and recognised by LongeviQuest.
BIOGRAPHY
Maria Dolores Gomes Ferreira was born in Sequeade, Braga District, Portugal, on 22 July 1902. At the age of 20, she married Josué Lopes. Following her marriage, she moved to Encourados, where the couple had 11 children. She was widowed at the age of 45 and never remarried. From then on, she raised her children and managed the household on her own.
At around the age of 107, she became bedridden. At 108, a street in the town, near the house where she had lived for most of her life, was named in her honor. At 109, she reportedly had five living children, 23 grandchildren, more than 30 great-grandchildren, and a dozen great-great-grandchildren.
On her 110th birthday, in July 2012, it was reported that she no longer spoke much but remained in good spirits, often asking for a glass of wine to accompany her meals. At the time, her family said that her exceptional longevity came as no surprise to them. They attributed it to the great care she always took of her health, her attention to her diet, and the fact that she never skipped her daily coffee. She worked in agriculture until the age of 95, was deeply religious throughout her life, and was almost always seen holding a rosary. According to her granddaughter, even after reaching the age of 100, she was still the one who cooked for the entire family.
Maria Dolores Gomes Ferreira passed away in Encourados, Braga District, Portugal, on 31 July 2013, at the age of 111 years, 9 days.
RECOGNITION
On 19 May 2013, following the death of 112-year-old Carmelina Augusta Delgado, she became the oldest known living person in Portugal. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Laurinda da Conceição.
Gomes Ferreira’s age was verified by Filipe Prista Lucas and validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) on 1 June 2013, and later by the ESO on 14 June 2021.
ATTRIBUTION
* “Barcelos: D. Maria Dolores celebra 109 anos” – Correio do Minho, 23 July 2011
* “Festeja os 110 anos em família” – Correio da Manhã, 23 July 2012
* “Café é o segredo para os 110 anos” – Correio da Manhã, 22 July 2012
* “Morreu a mais idosa do País” – Correio da Manhã, 3 August 2013
GALLERY
On her 110th birthday in July 2012. (Source: Correio da Manhã)
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