Francisca Rita de Jesus, a resident of Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais, passed away on 14 February, at the age of 110 years, 64 days.
Francisca Rita de Jesus was born on 12 December 1914, in rural Silvianópolis, Minas Gerais. Due to the remote location of her home, she received private tutoring arranged by her father and learned to read and write.
At 21, she married Arlindo Balbino Mendes, a widower with five young children, whom she raised as her own. She later had 11 children of her own, all born at home with the help of midwives. Though her family lived comfortably, their home lacked running water and electricity. They relied on fishing from the Sapucaí River, homegrown crops, and homemade cheese.
She lived in the countryside until the age of 64. After her husband’s death in 1979, she moved to Pouso Alegre, where some of her children lived. Initially, she lived with her two unmarried daughters, and after one married and moved away, she stayed with her daughter Francisca Donizete and her family.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Francisca Rita de Jesus during this difficult time.
