Mariana de Jesus Soares Barbosa is a Brazilian semi-supercentenarian.
Marie-Dominique Zadick, Martinique’s Oldest Person, Turns 112
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BIOGRAPHY
Mariana de Jesus Soares Barbosa was born on 27 July 1917, in the locality of Ponta Grossa, in the municipality of Paraty, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The daughter of Luciano Francisco Malvão and Senhorinha Maria da Conceição, she did not have the opportunity to attend school, as there were no educational institutions in the region at the time.
At the age of 27, on 27 December 1944, she married Manoel Soares Barbosa (16 November 1924 – 24 June 1978), a fisherman and farmer. Six children were born of this union. A dedicated worker, Mariana divided her time between working in the fields and sewing, which she did in her spare time to serve the community and contribute to the family income.
Recognized for her strength, courage and determination in the daily struggle, she always remained lucid and in good health, despite the fact that, in her old age, she had some difficulty getting around.
In her youth, her social life was marked by dances in the community, and one of her favorite pastimes was listening to country music on a battery-operated radio. Over the years, she has seen her family grow: today she has 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-great-grandchild.
Nowadays, her main form of leisure is contemplating the sea and watching the boats sail by, enjoying the tranquillity she has built up over a life marked by work, dedication to her family, and love for the community.
RECOGNITION
Her age was verified by Gabriel Ainsworth and Iara Souza, and validated by LongeviQuest on 9 August 2025.
ATTRIBUTION
(The biography of Mariana de Jesus Soares Barbosa was compiled entirely through interviews with her daughter, retired teacher Maria Dorcilia Barbosa de Souza.)
GALLERY
On her 99th birthday in 2016. (Source: Courtesy of the family).
On her 100th birthday in 2017. (Source: Courtesy of the family).
On her 100th birthday in 2017. (Source: Courtesy of the family).
On her 100th birthday in 2017. (Source: Courtesy of the family).
At the age of 104. (Source: Courtesy of the family).
At the age of 106. (Source: Communicator Eduardo Dinapoli / Instagram).
At the age of 106. (Source: Communicator Eduardo Dinapoli / Instagram).
On her 108th birthday in 2025. (Source: Courtesy of the family).
On her 108th birthday in 2025. (Source: Courtesy of the family).
At the age of 108 on 2 August 2025. (Source: Courtesy of the family).
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