Mrs Marie Judith Denise Rabaud, born on 23 December 1922, celebrated her 100th birthday, on Friday 23 December 2022, at the Atlee Centre in Forest Side.
In this context, an official ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity to honour the new centenarian. On this occasion, Mrs Rabaud received from the authorities, a cheque amounting to Rs 26 203, a cheque to the tune of Rs 10 000 from the National Solidarity Fund, a bouquet, a centenarian medal, a certificate and an air fryer.
The Member of Parliament and Deputy Chief Government Whip, Mr Soobeersingh Dhunoo, the Deputy Mayor, Mr Chellen Samy, and close relatives of Mrs Rabaud, were present on this occasion.
Mrs Marie Judith Denise Rabaud was born in Gebert, Rose Belle and currently resides at Melisse Street in Forest Side. Her father, Mr Joseph Maurice Fidele was a labourer employed at the Rose Belle Sugar Estate and her mother was a housewife. Her parents had eight children, notably four sons and four daughters. Four of her siblings have passed away.
The centenarian has studied up to Standard Six and got religiously married to Mr Louis Benjamin Rabaud at the age of 28. She gave birth to one son and four daughters. Her husband was a factory mechanic while she worked as a carer at Mère Augustine Home. Mrs Rabaud retired at the age of 60 years and became a widow at the age of 72.
At present, she is still surrounded by her five children, 15 grandchildren and 14 great- grandchildren. Mrs Rabaud is not ambulant, suffers from hearing impairment and is a cardiac patient with hypertension. The centenarian attributes her longevity to her faith in God and hard work.
It is noted that as at 23 December 2022, the number of centenarians in the Republic of Mauritius stood at 178, namely 156 females and 22 males.
