The world bids farewell to a truly historic figure — Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, the world’s oldest person, who passed away at the age of 116. Her death, announced by her religious order, marks the end of an extraordinary chapter that spanned three different centuries and some of the most profound changes in modern history. ✝️๐ฟ
⏳ A Life That Defied Time
Born on June 8, 1908, Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas entered a world completely different from our own. Theodore Roosevelt was president of the United States, penicillin hadn’t yet been discovered, and cinema was still silent. Yet somehow, Sister Inah's quiet strength and profound Catholic faith carried her across eras, milestones, and revolutions in human life.
Despite her frailty as a child — so slight that many doubted she would survive infancy — she outlived nearly everyone from her generation. Her faith in God was unshakable, and she often credited Him as the reason for her enduring health and resilience. As she once said:
“God is the secret of life. He is the secret of everything.”
This profound belief earned her a papal blessing from Pope Francis on her 110th birthday, a moment that was cherished by her order and community alike. ๐๐
๐ซ The Humble Teacher and Her Legacy
Sister Inah was not only a nun but also a dedicated teacher, shaping the minds of many — including none other than General Joรฃo Figueiredo, Brazil’s last military dictator who ruled from 1979 to 1985. Though her life intersected with politics, she remained devoted to her spiritual and educational mission.
She spent parts of her life in Uruguay, Rio de Janeiro, and ultimately settled back in her home state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Her life’s journey reflected a rich tapestry of devotion, learning, and service. ๐๐️
⚽ A Nun With a Passion for Soccer
In a delightful twist, Sister Inah was also an avid soccer enthusiast, and a lifelong supporter of Sport Club Internacional (Inter). Each year, the club honored her birthday, and upon her death, released a heartfelt tribute acknowledging her “kindness, faith, and love.”
Even in her final years, she displayed an impressive vitality and zest for life — a beacon of enduring spirit that inspired all who knew her. ⚽❤️
๐ A New Oldest Person in the World
Following Sister Inah’s passing, Ethel Caterham, a 115-year-old great-grandmother from England, has been recognized as the world’s oldest person, according to Guinness World Records (GWR). Born in 1909, Caterham now holds the torch of longevity, becoming the last living person born before 1913.
Meanwhile, Marรญa Branyas Morera, born in San Francisco and residing in Catalonia, Spain, remains the world’s oldest living woman, having turned 115 years and 321 days as of early 2023. Her wit remains sharp — a testament to her own strength — as seen in her Twitter bio:
“I am old, very old, but not an idiot.”
๐ Sister Inah in the Book of Records
According to LongeviQuest, Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas was the second-oldest Brazilian and ranked as the 15th-oldest person in recorded history. While her birth was officially noted as June 8, her nephew, Cleber Canabarro, suggests she may have been born on May 27, due to delayed registration — a common issue in the early 20th century.
She now joins the ranks of other legendary supercentenarians like Jeanne Louise Calment, the oldest verified person ever, who lived an astonishing 122 years and 164 days.