Villanueva de la Vera, Extremadura — Silveria Martín Díaz, the oldest living person in Spain, and the third-oldest in Europe, passed away on September 11th, at the age of 114 years, 83 days.
Born in Talavera la Vieja, Cáceres, Extremadura, on 20 June 1910, she grew up in her hometown before marrying José Arroyo. The couple had five children: Paco, Ana Maria, Leo, Maria Andrea, and Anastasio. They lived in Talavera la Vieja until it was flooded in 1963, and when the inhabitants were rehoused in various towns. They spent a year in Rosalejo, the municipality where 80% of Talavera’s residents settled. The family later ended up emigrating to France where they left for work.
On 25 January 2022, following the death of 112-year-old Josefa San Román Mateos, she became the second-oldest living person in Spain (after María Branyas Morera), and the oldest living Spanish-born person (since Branyas Morera was born in the US).
On 5 October 2023, at the age of 113 years, 107 days, she surpassed the final age of Josefa Santos González (1906–2019), becoming the oldest person ever born in Extremadura.
On 19 August 2024, following the death of 117-year-old María Branyas Morera, she became the oldest living person in Spain.
At the time of her passing, she was the 7th-oldest living person in the world, and the third-oldest in Europe, after Ethel Caterham (UK) and Marie-Rose Tessier (France).
LongeviQuest sends our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Silveria Martín Díaz.
