BIOGRAPHY

Roth was born as Marion Edna Carey in Chester, Pennsylvania, as one of three daughters born to Samuel and Edna (Solomon) Carey. Her sisters were Loretta and Ellen. She lost her mother at 14 years old; her father subsequently remarried to a woman named Corinthea. Through this union, Roth gained two half-sisters, Winifred and Olive.

Roth graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from West Chester State Teachers College, and later achieved a Masters Degree in counselling from Villanova University. She also enrolled in the Phila Art Institute, Temple University, and the University of Delaware. Her occupations included a teacher and high school counsellor.

Roth and her husband, Frederick, had one son, Frederick Jr. She was widowed in 1966, and was also predeceased by a grandson, Stephen.

In the late 1990s, Roth moved into a retirement community in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. She lived independently until the age of 102, when she relocated to the assisted living section of the community. She credited her longevity to eating a lot of butter, cheese, chocolate, and potato chips. On her 108th birthday in November 2016, she spoke of her disdain for President-elect Donald Trump. She celebrated her 109th birthday with a boat trip.

Roth died on 17 January 2020 at the age of 111 years, 67 days. She was survived by her son, as well as another grandson and three great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Following the death of 112-year-old Icie Clark on 4 August 2019, Roth became Pennsylvania’s oldest known resident. Upon her own death, the title passed to Elizabeth Lucas (1909 – 2020).

Roth’s age was verified by Stefan Maglov and validated by LongeviQuest on 29 July 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

• Delco centenarians celebrate longevity (With Video) Daily Times, 11 May 2011
• Delco centenarians share longevity secrets at luncheon Main Line Suburban Life, 14 May 2015
• Woman Who Turned 108 Has Thoughts on a Trump Presidency NBC, 9 November 2016
• Newtown Square woman celebrates 109th birthday with boat ride Fox29, 9 November 2017
• Marion Edna Roth Hagan Funeral Home

GALLERY