Itaperuna — One of the oldest living residents of the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, Generoza Araújo Soares, celebrated her 109th birthday on August 16th.
Generoza Araújo Soares was born in Volta Grande, Minas Gerais, Brazil on 16 August 1915. Orphaned at the age of two after losing her mother, she lived with her paternal grandparents until she was ten. After that, she went to live with her siblings and their father. She became an excellent cook and scholar, as well as a lover of literature. Additionally, she worked as a seamstress, a trade she learned and pursued in her free time.
At the age of 21, she married Francisco. The couple had seven children, one of whom died in infancy. She was very determined to ensure that all of her children received an education.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Araújo Soares on her 109th birthday.
