Who Died At 116 Years Old? Exploring Lives Of Remarkable Centenarians

Tanner Purdy 19 Aug 2025

It is, truly, a rare occurrence when someone reaches the incredible age of 116 years. Very few people on our planet ever get to see so many decades pass by, and when they do, their lives often hold a special kind of wonder. We often find ourselves curious about these individuals, wondering about their experiences, their wisdom, and what it might have been like to witness so much history unfold.

Recently, the world said goodbye to some truly extraordinary individuals who had lived for over a century, reaching that remarkable milestone of 116 years. These were people who had seen profound changes in the world, from horse-drawn carriages to space travel, and their passing marks the end of an era for many who followed their stories. Their lives, in a way, offer a glimpse into the sheer resilience of the human spirit, and what it means to truly live a long, full existence, so.

This article takes a moment to remember these incredible centenarians, delving into the details of their lives as they were known, and recognizing the unique mark they left on the world. We'll explore who they were, where they lived, and some of the quiet details surrounding their final days, actually.

Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas: A Life of Faith and Longevity
Tomiko Itooka: Japan's Centenarian Icon
Edith "Edie" Ceccarelli: America's Beloved Elder
The Significance of Reaching 116 Years
What Comes Next? The Oldest Living People
Frequently Asked Questions About Centenarians

Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas: A Life of Faith and Longevity

Among those who recently passed at the age of 116 was Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun whose long life captivated many. She was, for a time, recognized as the world's oldest person, a title that truly highlights her remarkable journey. Her story, in some respects, speaks to a quiet dedication and a peaceful existence.

Born on June 8, 1908, in São Francisco de Assis, Rio Grande do Sul, she lived a life devoted to her faith. Sister Inah was a member of the Teresian nun congregation, known as the Company of Saint Teresa of Jesus. Her days were spent in service and reflection, a path she followed for over a century, you know.

Her passing occurred this week in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Reports from Longeviquest and her congregation confirmed her death at home, quite peacefully, from natural causes. She was, quite literally, just weeks away from celebrating her 117th birthday, which would have been on May 27. Her life, it seems, was a testament to enduring spirit, as a matter of fact.

Personal Details: Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas

Detail	Information
Name	Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas
Age at Death	116 years old
Date of Birth	June 8, 1908
Place of Birth	São Francisco de Assis, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Date of Death	This week (specific day not provided in source)
Place of Death	Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Cause of Death	Natural causes
Occupation	Nun (Teresian nun congregation, Company of Saint Teresa of Jesus)
Notable Status	World's oldest person (at time of death)

Tomiko Itooka: Japan's Centenarian Icon

Another incredible individual who reached the age of 116 was Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest person for a period. Her life, too, was a long and full one, lived mostly in Japan. She was, in a way, a symbol of Japan's remarkable longevity rates, you know.

Tomiko Itooka passed away on the night of December 29, 2024, at the impressive age of 116 years and 220 days. She had been residing in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, located in central Japan. An official from Ashiya City confirmed her passing, which was attributed to natural causes, specifically complications related to old age, apparently.

Her journey through life saw her witness countless changes in her home country and around the globe. Living to 116 years and 220 days is, quite simply, an astonishing feat, and her story adds to the rich tapestry of human endurance. She was, for many, a quiet inspiration, really.

Personal Details: Tomiko Itooka

Detail	Information
Name	Tomiko Itooka
Age at Death	116 years and 220 days
Date of Death	December 29, 2024
Place of Death	Nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Cause of Death	Natural causes, complications related to old age
Nationality	Japanese
Notable Status	World's oldest person (recognized by Guinness World Records)

Edith "Edie" Ceccarelli: America's Beloved Elder

The United States also recently bid farewell to one of its most cherished elders, Edith “Edie” Ceccarelli, who also lived to the remarkable age of 116. She was, for a time, known as the oldest living American, a title that brought her much affection and attention. Her story, too, is one of incredible endurance, actually.

Edith Ceccarelli had just celebrated her 116th birthday, a joyous occasion for her and her community. However, just 17 days after this milestone, she passed away on February 22. Her long life spanned more than a century of American history, witnessing everything from the Roaring Twenties to the modern digital age. She was, quite simply, a living piece of history, so.

Her full name, Edith Recagno Keenan Ceccarelli, represents a life lived across different eras and experiences. Her passing reminds us of the profound connections these supercentenarians have to the past, and how their presence enriches our present. She was, in a way, a bridge to another time, you know.

Personal Details: Edith "Edie" Ceccarelli

Detail	Information
Name	Edith “Edie” Ceccarelli (also Edith Recagno Keenan Ceccarelli)
Age at Death	116 years old
Date of Death	February 22 (17 days after her 116th birthday)
Notable Status	Oldest living American (at time of death)

The Significance of Reaching 116 Years

Living to 116 years old is, without question, an extraordinary achievement. It means surviving through countless historical events, technological advancements, and societal shifts. These individuals, Sister Inah, Tomiko, and Edie, were more than just names and ages; they were repositories of memories, experiences, and wisdom. Their lives, it seems, held a secret, a quiet rhythm that allowed them to continue for so long, you know.

The phrase "he is the secret of life" appears in the text, suggesting a profound wonder about what allows some people to live for so many years. While the exact "secret" remains elusive, the common thread among these individuals seems to be a peaceful passing from natural causes, often in their homes or familiar surroundings. This suggests a life lived fully, reaching its natural conclusion, actually.

For many, the stories of these supercentenarians inspire thoughts about longevity, health, and the quality of life in advanced age. They show us that reaching such an age is possible, and that these years can be lived with dignity and a quiet presence. It's truly a remarkable thing to consider, so.

What Comes Next? The Oldest Living People

With the passing of these remarkable individuals, the titles of "world's oldest person" and "oldest living American" shift. After Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas's death, Ethel Caterham from England became the oldest living person. This is how these records are constantly updated, as new individuals quietly take on the mantle, apparently.

In the United States, following Edie Ceccarelli's passing, Elizabeth Francis, at 114 years old, is now recognized as the oldest person in America. These transitions highlight the continuous cycle of life and the ongoing presence of individuals who defy typical age expectations. It's a fascinating aspect of human existence, really.

The text also briefly mentions Kimura, who became the verified oldest living man on September 25, 2011, at the age of 114. While not 116 at that point, his inclusion underscores the broader interest in those who achieve extreme longevity. These individuals, like him, offer glimpses into the outer limits of human lifespan, you know.

Frequently Asked Questions About Centenarians

People often have many questions about individuals who live to such advanced ages. Here are a few common inquiries, based on the information we have discussed, actually.

Who was the oldest person in the world recently?

Recently, the title of the world's oldest person was held by both Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun, and Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman. Sister Inah was recognized as the world's oldest person at the time of her passing this week at 116. Tomiko Itooka was also the world's oldest person according to Guinness World Records before her death at 116 years and 220 days in December 2024. This shows how quickly these records can change, so.

Did a Brazilian nun die at 116?

Yes, a Brazilian nun named Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas died this week at the age of 116 years old. She was born on June 8, 1908, and passed away in Porto Alegre, Brazil, just weeks before her 117th birthday. She was a Teresian nun and died peacefully from natural causes, apparently.

Who is the oldest person alive now?

Following the death of Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, Ethel Caterham from England is now considered the oldest living person. In the United States, Elizabeth Francis, at 114 years old, is now recognized as the oldest person in America. These titles are always changing as time goes on, you know.

The lives of these individuals who reached 116 years offer a profound look at human endurance and the passage of time. They remind us that every life, no matter its length, holds its own unique value. To learn more about longevity research on our site, and to explore stories of remarkable individuals, you can also visit this page. For further insights into global longevity trends, you might consider looking at resources from organizations dedicated to the study of aging, for example, a site like Longevity Insights.

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Who Died At 116 Years Old? Exploring Lives Of Remarkable Centenarians

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