PARIS (AP) — A French nun who was believed to be the world’s oldest person has died a few weeks before her 119th birthday, the spokesperson for her nursing home in southern France said Wednesday.
Lucile Randon, known as Sister André, was born in the town of Ales, southern France, on Feb. 11, 1904. She was also one of the world’s oldest survivors of COVID-19.
Spokesman David Tavella said she died at 2 a.m. on Tuesday at the Sainte-Catherine-Laboure nursing home in the town of Toulon.
The Gerontology Research Group, which validates details of people thought to be 110 or older, listed her as the oldest known person in the world after the death of Japan’s Kane Tanaka, aged 119, last year.
Sister André tested positive for the coronavirus in January 2021, shortly before her 117th birthday, but she had so few symptoms that she didn’t even realize she was infected. Her survival made headlines both in France and beyond.
In April last year, asked about her exceptional longevity through two world wars, she told French media that “working … makes you live. I worked until I was 108.”
She was known to enjoy a daily glass of wine and chocolate.
The oldest living known person in the world listed by the Gerontology Research Group is now American-born Maria Branyas Morera, who is living in Spain, and is 115.
-
“The Sports Bra” is coming to Indy, pop-up events already drawing big crowds
Before it even opens, the women-focused bar is building community through Fever watch parties and citywide pop-up events.Spencer Shrader converts from 45 yards, Colts beat Broncos 29-28
Spencer Shrader made a 45-yard field goal with no time left, and the Indianapolis Colts beat Denver 29-28 on Sunday for their first 2-0 start since 2009.Dream beat Fever 80-68 in Game 1 of WNBA playoffs
the Atlanta Dream beat the Indiana Fever 80-68 on Sunday in Game 1 of the best-of-three first-round playoff series.Indy nonprofit highlights suicide prevention, recovery month with free programs
Recovery Café Indy is offering special programming throughout the month to support individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, incarceration and other life struggles.