Donna Divina: One of Annapolis' longest-living residents dies at 106

A mother of nine children, she also has ten grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren

After a long career, full of determination, desire and, above all, concern for her family, Divina Alves Ribeiro died on Saturday (10) in Annapolis, at the age of 106.

This elderly woman was born in Betim (MG) in 1917, and was honored with the title of Citizen of Annapolina in January of this year, in an honor that came from Chancellor Clidi Hilario (Republicans).

One of the reasons that led to Divina receiving her medal was the influence and path she had with the municipality due to her advanced age.

“This lady has collaborated in shaping the city, especially in the neighborhood where she lives and was also one of the pioneers as a member of the Ministério Madureira Church in Bairro Boa Vista,” the councilor stated at the time.

During the long years that she covers, she married when she was still eighteen and became a widow at forty-two. In order to be able to provide a decent life for her children, she had to redouble her struggle and efforts as a washerwoman.

She managed to maintain her health and behavior until the age of eighty, when she had to remain bedridden.

Divina Alves built a large family, consisting of nine children, ten grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, and left an even greater impact on the history of the Annapolis community.