Maria Rothovius
Supercentenarian data for Finland
- Full name: Lempi Maria Rothovius (née Sparfven)
- Lifespan: (02.10.1897 – 17.06.2000)
- Age: 112 years, 259 days
- Birthplace: Ikaalinen, Pirkanmaa, Russian Empire (now Finland)
- Last residence: Ikaalinen, Pirkanmaa, Finland
- Application date: N/A
- Validation date: 06.02.2005
- Validation source: Annsi Makinen
Biography
Maria Rothovius was born as Lempi Maria Sparfven in Ikaalinen, Pirkanmaa, Russian Empire (now Finland) on 2 October 1887 as the third child of her parents Kaarlo Fridolin Sparfven and Matilda Ehnros. Before 1910 the family had changed their family name to Salokaarto. After visiting the Business College Helsinki she took to the banking sector, where she worked throughout her working life. She worked in banks in several locations. She married Sulo Rikhard Rothovius. They had two sons. She was widowed in 1939. Since then, she worked, inter alia, as a people’s welfare officer and kept the pupils’ dormitory in the home town of Ikaalinen.
On 21 November 1994, following the death of 109-year-old Amanda Moksi, she became the oldest living person in Finland.
On 2 October 1997, she celebrated her 110th birthday, becoming a supercentenarian.
On 3 September 1998, at the age of 110 years, 336 days, she surpassed the final age of Fanny Nystrom (1878–1989), becoming the oldest person ever in Finland.
On 5 December 1999, at the age of 112 years, 64 days, she surpassed the final age of Suoma Korkee (1886–1998), becoming the oldest Finnish-born person ever.
Maria Rothovius died in Ikaalinen, Pirkanmaa, Finland on 17 June 2000 at the age of 112 years, 259 days.
Maria Rothovius in her later years (undated photo)
Longevity recognition
- Oldest living person in Finland (21.11.1994 – 17.06.2000)
- Longevity Recordholder for Finland (03.09.1998 – present)
Validation
Her age was meticulously examined and verified by verified by Annsi Makinen and validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) on 6 February 2005.