BIOGRAPHY

Vincente Constance Newton, affectionately known as “Olanice,” was born in the Grand Dégras neighborhood of Le Marigot, Martinique, France on 10 September 1911. She was the seventh of twelve children in a close-knit farming family. She had four sisters and seven brothers. Her father Roland died at the age of 99.

Throughout her life, Newton worked in various roles. She spent much of her youth and adult life in Basse-Pointe. She began her professional career at a very young age, working in sugar production. In Sainte-Marie, she worked as a water carrier at the factory, carrying buckets of water on her shoulder or head to meet the factory’s needs. Later, she worked for the Dormoy family in Basse-Pointe. Alongside her friend Naomie, she was hired to care for the children, handle housework, and manage a shop. When Mr. Dormoy passed away, they took over the management of the shop in Basse-Pointe. For several years, they ran the business, balancing both economic and social responsibilities. After Naomie’s death and several years in Basse-Pointe, she returned to her hometown of Marigot.

Newton never married or had children, but she raised her niece Arlette, as well as Roger, the child of another niece, whom she cared for like a son from the time he was two years old. She fully took charge of his upbringing, including his education, schooling, and catechism. In 2016, at the age of 105, she moved to the “Les Gliricidias du François” residence for dependent elderly individuals. In 2019, she celebrated her 108th birthday at her home in Marigot.

Vincente Constance Newton passed away in Le Marigot, Martinique, France, on 23 September 2021, at the age of 110 years, 13 days.

RECOGNITION

Following the death of 113-year-old Julie Montabord on 18 July 2019, she became the oldest known living woman in Martinique. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Philomène Fibleuil.

At the time of her passing, she was the second-oldest (known) living person in Martinique, after Jules Théobald.

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Olanice bon pied bon oeil à 104 ans” – FranceAntilles, 10 September 2015

* “Les 108 bougies d’Olanice Newton, doyenne du Marigot” – FranceAntilles, 12 September 2019

* “La doyenne de la commune a 110 ans” – FranceAntilles, 10 September 2021

* “Vincente Constance Newton surnommée Olanice, la doyenne du Marigot a tiré sa révérence à 110 ans” – Outre-mer la 1ère, 25 September 2021

GALLERY