Angèle Labiche passes away 11 days after becoming a centenarian |31 January 2022

Tantin Baba on the day of her 100th birthday (Photo: Jude Morel)

Angèle Labiche née Dogley is probably Seychelles’ shortest-lived centenarian.

Eleven days after she turned 100 on January 18, 2022, Mrs Labiche passed away in the presence of her daughter and grandchildren on Saturday January 29, 2022 at her adopted daughter’s home in Baie Lazare.

Affectionately known as Tantin Baba or Baba, Mrs Labiche was born on January 18, 1922 and discreetly celebrated her 100th birthday on January 18, 2022 by observing all health protocols in the presence of close family members, including her daughter and grandchildren who had made a trip from the United Kingdom for the event.

The special occasion began with a religious service led by Father Jacques, before principal secretary for Local Government and Community Affairs Kevin Perrine handed her a hamper on behalf of President Wavel Ramkalawan. Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Baie Lazare, François Adelaide, also presented Mrs Labiche with a gift on behalf of the district’s community.

She leaves behind a daughter, an adopted daughter, five grandchildren, 12 great grand-children and four great great grandchildren. In fact, she gave birth to two daughters but one passed away before her.

Mrs Labiche has spent most of her life in Dame le Roi, Baie Lazare and was well known in her community.

She has always been a very principled and fervent Christian from an early age and her family members described her as a ‘God-Fearing’ person who dedicated her entire life to the service of the Lord.

They said she was a lady of prayer who attended all the pastoral feasts held in all the districts during her younger days. She also had regular confessions, and according to her family members, this she said was for Grace of the Lord.

Tantin Baba was also a member of various prayer groups, attending night sessions on a regular basis.

Her strong faith and devotion towards her spirituality was the main driving force behind her longevity, her family said.

She was the district’s only resident to hit the century mark.

Compiled by Gerard Govinden