Supercentenarian Profile

Maria José Barcelos

Born:

1918-06-05

Serra, Espírito Santo,

Brazil

Current Residence:

Serra, Espírito Santo,

Brazil

✔ Age Certified by LongeviQuest

Maria José Barcelos is a Brazilian semi-supercentenarian.

BIOGRAPHY

Maria José Monjardim was born in the locality of Itaiobaia within Serra, Espírito Santo, Brazil, on 5 June 1918. She married José Barcelos Bastos on 9 September 1945, and took the name Maria José Barcelos. The couple had four children: Sebastião, Nelcy, Maria, and Josete. As of 2026, the family included 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, for a total of 36 descendants who, together with their spouses, formed a family of 53 members.

Maria José and her husband devoted themselves to farming, earning their livelihood from a small plot of land she had inherited from her parents. As life in the countryside became increasingly difficult and their children’s education became a priority, they decided to sell the property and move to the center of Serra, where they purchased a plot of land with a modest house. Over time, the house was renovated and expanded, eventually becoming a comfortable and spacious three-story home.

After moving to the city, Maria José and her husband continued to live with their son Josete. Following his marriage to Tânea Luiza Andrade on 23 July 1983, she also became part of the household and devoted herself wholeheartedly to caring for the couple. After Maria José’s husband passed away on 29 June 1995, Tânea continued to be her guardian angel. Her loving and dedicated care of her mother-in-law is considered one of the factors contributing to Maria José’s longevity.

In 2018, to celebrate the matriarch’s 100th birthday, a small book entitled Barcelos-Monjardim Family: 100 Years of History was published. One of its highlights is Maria José’s poetry. Despite never having attended school, she became an avid reader and a natural poet. Among her poems are My Lemon Tree, The Story of My Life, A Life Lesson, and Tânia’s Little Sweets. She also enjoyed writing messages in tribute to her grandchildren and other family members, sometimes expressing them in poetic form.

At the age of 108, despite being unable to walk and experiencing hearing and visual impairments, Maria José lives surrounded by family and friends. She receives their affection and, in turn, welcomes everyone with joy, singing and telling stories. Her presence continues to inspire the family and strengthen its bonds, preserving the sense of unity and joy that she has always radiated.