BIOGRAPHY

Marthe Roch was born in Boisvin in the commune of Les Abymes in the French overseas region and department of Guadeloupe, on 19 August 1907. She and her husband had 12 children—six daughters and six sons. By the time she reached 110, her family had grown to include 211 descendants. For most of her life, she worked the land alongside her husband.

In 2010, she suffered the loss of one of her sons. Her birthday became an annual event celebrated by the municipality after she turned 100. For her 113th birthday, Mayor Eric Jalton and Nadia Surville, the elected delegate for the elderly, visited her home in Bazin.

Roch passed away in Bazin, Les Abymes, Guadeloupe, on 21 September 2020, at the age of 113 years, 33 days.

RECOGNITION

On 26 December 2016, following the passing of 110-year-old Annoncia Irma Agathe, she became the oldest known living person in Guadeloupe, at the age of 109 years, 129 days. She held the title until her own passing in September 2020, when she was succeeded by Iréna Martial.

On 5 October 2019, at the age of 112 years, 47 days, she surpassed the final age of Mathilde Albina (1895–2007), becoming the oldest person who ever lived in Guadeloupe. She held the title until July 2024, when Émilienne Bécarmin surpassed her final age.

Roch’s age was verified by Guillaume Legris (Les Grands Centenaires Français) and validated by the Gerontology Research Group on 27 August 2021.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Vivre depuis 106 ans aux Abymes et plus si …..” – Église Adventiste du 7ème Jour de la Guadeloupe, 2 July 2013

* “Esther Roch, la doyenne de la Guadeloupe, a 109 ans” – France-Antilles Guadeloupe, 24 August 2016

* “La doyenne de la Guadeloupe, Marthe ROCH , a fêté ses 110 ans ce week-end” – RCI Guadeloupe, 21 August 2017

* “Rencontre avec Marthe Roussas, la doyenne de la Guadeloupe” – Guadeloupe La 1ère, 21 August 2017

* “Esther Roussas Roch, doyenne de la Guadeloupe, a 113 ans” – France-Antilles Guadeloupe, 21 August 2020

* “La doyenne de la Caraïbe, la Guadeloupéenne Marthe Roussas s’est éteinte à l’âge de 113 ans” – Guadeloupe la 1ère, 22 September 2020

GALLERY