What You Need to Know
On December 22, 2025, Mauritius celebrated the 100th birthday of Mrs. Marie Thérèse Laurent at the Roche Bois Social Welfare Centre. The event was attended by local dignitaries and family, highlighting her remarkable life and contributions. Mrs. Laurent, born in Port Louis, attributes her longevity to her faith and caring nature, surrounded by a large family.
Africa-Press – Mauritius. Mauritius welcomed a new centenarian, Mrs Marie Thérèse Laurent, on 22 December 2025, as she celebrated her 100th anniversary at the Roche Bois Social Welfare Centre, in the presence of family members, relatives and well-wishers.
The ceremony was attended by the Member of Parliament and Deputy Chairperson of Committees, Mr Mohamed Ehsan Juman; the Lord Mayor of the Municipal Council of Port Louis, Mr Aslam Adam Hossenally; as well as a representative of the Senior Citizens Council.
As part of the celebrations, the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity presented the centenarian with a bouquet, a centenarian medal, a certificate, a cheque of Rs 26,203 in her name and a vacuum cleaner. A Special Telephone Service was offered by Mauritius Telecom. In addition, the Senior Citizens Council presented a gift in kind, while the National Solidarity Fund handed over a cheque of Rs 10,000.
Mrs Marie Thérèse Laurent was born on 22 December 1925 in Port Louis to a father who worked as carpenter at the Mauritius Docks and a mother who was a seamstress. She was the only child of the family.
At the age of 28, she married Mr Louis Emmanuel Laurent, a mechanic by profession. The couple was blessed with six children. Mrs Laurent is today surrounded by 18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Mrs Laurent is non-vegetarian and enjoys traditional Mauritian dishes such as poisson salé, samoussa, gâteau piments, pumpkin and other local delicacies. She spends her leisure time watching television, reading newspapers, playing domino, listening to the radio and following horse racing.
The centenarian attributes her longevity to her strong faith in God, her kind-hearted and selfless nature. Her family describes her as a loving, attentive and caring mother.
Mauritius has a rich history of cultural diversity and community values, which are reflected in the celebrations of milestones such as centenarian birthdays. The nation is known for its strong family ties and respect for the elderly, often honoring them with public celebrations and recognition from local authorities. This cultural appreciation for longevity is evident in the way communities come together to celebrate individuals like Mrs. Marie Thérèse Laurent, showcasing the importance of family and tradition in Mauritian society.
The island nation has a growing population of centenarians, attributed to advancements in healthcare and a lifestyle that emphasizes community and family support
