The world’s oldest person, Sister Inah Canabarro, a 116-year-old nun from Brazil, has passed away, receiving heartfelt tributes from her religious community and the football club she passionately supported. Sister Inah, who had lived for 116 years and 326 days, was celebrated for her love of football and dedicated life of faith.
Following her death on Wednesday, Ethel Caterham from Britain, aged 115 years and 252 days, is now acknowledged as the oldest living person, as per records from LongeviQuest and Guinness World Records. Sister Inah was born on June 8, 1908, into a large family in southern Brazil, although family members indicate she might have been born two weeks earlier due to a late registration.
She had a notable lineage, with a great-grandfather who was a prominent Brazilian general during the tumultuous period after Brazil gained independence from Portugal. Additionally, she was an educator to General Joao Figueiredo, Brazil’s last military ruler from 1964 to 1985. In recognition of her remarkable life, Pope Francis honoured her on her 110th birthday, and she holds the distinction of being the second-oldest nun ever documented.
The Teresian Sisters, her religious order, announced her passing, expressing their hopes for her eternal welcome by God. Bruna Santos, a theology doctoral student, shared her sentiments on social media, recalling joyful moments spent with Sister Inah, highlighting her vibrant spirit and commitment to service.
Sister Inah was a devoted supporter of Sport Club Internacional, which celebrated her birthday yearly. Unfortunately, this year, the club mourned her loss, acknowledging her 116 years dedicated to kindness and community spirit. Her nephew described her living space adorned with gifts in the team’s colours, celebrating her loyalty as a fan.
Canabarro ascended to the title of the world’s oldest living person after the passing of Japan’s Tomiko Itooka and is recorded as the 20th oldest person in history according to LongeviQuest. Her funeral was scheduled for today, marking the end of a life filled with legacy, love, and unwavering faith.
Meanwhile, Sister Inah’s successor, Ethel Caterham, born on August 21, 1909, in England, has had a distinguished life as well. She worked as a nanny both in India and the UK and maintained a familial bond through her marriage to Major Norman Caterham of the British Army. Surviving numerous life challenges, including outliving her own daughters, Ethel continues to thrive in a care home environment, enjoying simple pleasures like gardening and classical music.
This poignant moment reflects on both Sister Inah’s and Ethel’s remarkable lives, leaving behind rich legacies of love, faith, and resilience that inspire many.