Woman dies at 118

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Mereseini Culaculawale with her mum Adi Dionani who dies last Thursday. Picture: SERAFINA SILAITOGA

ONE of Fiji’s oldest citizens, 118-year-old Adi Dionani Salaivanua of Macuata has died.

Days after receiving her birth certificate from the Government and assistance through the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, the Naividamu woman died in her sleep last Thursday.

Her grandson Emosi Zinck confirmed the news of his grandmother’s death.

Adi Dionani’s story was published in this newspaper last month, as she could be the oldest Fijian citizen.

She was the oldest voter in last year’s general election.

She is survived by nine children (two have died), 54 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren.

Adi Dionani was born on January 1, 1901 and was brought up at Nakalou Village, Macuata by her mother, Narieta Vamoni.

In an earlier interview, Adi Dionani’s youngest daughter of 11 children, Mereseini Culaculawave described her mum as a hardworking woman who was dedicated to her call of duty as the radini vanua (traditional leader’s wife).

Even after her father died in 1979, Mereseini said her mother remained strong for her children.

“Even in her 90s, she still went out fishing, planted yams with her sons and grandsons, was a nanny to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and still weaved mats,” she said.

The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa also stepped in to assist Adi Dionani with monthly financial assistance.

She will be laid to rest on Friday.

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