BIOGRAPHY

Secundina Rivera Cumba was born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, on 9 August 1907. She was the youngest of three children and the only daughter. She attended school until the third grade, but according to her family, she was very intelligent, self-taught, and had a deep love for reading.

At some point, she married Evaristo Vasquez, and the couple had 10 children (six daughters and four sons). She remained sharp-minded until the age of 106 and was deeply devout, attending church regularly until she was 104. Her churchgoing stopped after she fell and broke her hip, which made walking difficult.

Rivera Cumba lived independently until the age of 100, after which a caretaker began assisting her from Monday to Friday. Her family would visit her every weekend. Caring for plants was her form of therapy—she would talk to them and tend to them with great love.

Secundina Rivera Cumba passed away in Caguas, Puerto Rico, on 15 December 2017, at the age of 110 years, 128 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age was validated by LongeviQuest on 5 January 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

(The biography of Secundina Rivera Cumba was compiled entirely through interviews with her family.)

* Obituary of Cesareo Rivera – Page Funeral Home

* Secundina Rivera Cumba – Dignity Memorial

GALLERY