BIOGRAPHY

Mathilda Frutiger was born in Matane, Quebec, Canada, on 23 January 1886, to parents Clement Gauthier (1848–1919) and Appolline Marie Labrie-Mignault (1853–1941). She had 15 siblings. Mathilda lived in Matane until the age of nine, when her family briefly relocated to New Hampshire before settling in Manitoba. In 1904, she married Odilon Gauthier, who moved to Warroad, Minnesota, in 1905. Mathilda joined him there in 1907. Together, they had five children, though tragically, three passed away shortly after birth. The couple eventually separated, and Mathilda began working for Robert Frutiger (1874–1969). They married in 1915, at which point she became a naturalized citizen.

Mathilda attended a French-Canadian school as a child and spoke only French. She learned English after moving to Warroad by listening and conversing with others. With her second husband, she had six children. The Frutigers were married for 54 years until Robert’s death in 1969. After his passing, Mathilda moved to Young Manor in Warroad. In 1980, she moved into an apartment and later transitioned to full-time care at a center in 1992.

According to her daughter, Mathilda was a hardworking woman who never drank or smoked. She enjoyed sewing and made all her children’s clothing when they were young. She also crocheted extensively, crafting rag rugs and delicate lacework. Deeply involved in her church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Warroad, Mathilda served on the ladies’ aid and participated in various church activities. Her faith, her family noted, played a significant role in her long life.

Mathilda Frutiger passed away in Warroad, Minnesota, on 19 February 1996, at the age of 110 years, 27 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Jimmy Lindberg and Stefan Maglov, and validated by LongeviQuest on 17 December 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Warroad woman had many tales to tell after 110 years” – Warroad Herald, 22 February 1996

* Mathilda Gauthier Frutiger – Find A Grave

* Clement Gauthier – Find A Grave

GALLERY