Francine Grandjean, the oldest living person in Switzerland, passed away in L’Orient (Vaud) on 20 October, at the age of 110 years, 289 days. Her passing was first reported by 20 Minuten.
Grandjean was born in the village of Le Sentier in the Canton of Vaud, on 4 January 1915. She spent her childhood in the Jacot house, which her grandfather built and is now home to the Helvetica Horlogerie watchmaking store. She later left La Vallée to train as a seamstress in Nyon, where she met her future husband. Together, they lived for a time in Istanbul, Turkey, a city she grew to love. However, they had to return to Switzerland, settling in Nyon, just before the outbreak of the Second World War. She went on to have three children.
At the age of 101, in 2016, she chose to return to the Vallée de Joux to reside in the local retirement home.
On 23 February 2025, following the passing of Martha Furrer-Omlin, she became the oldest living person in Switzerland.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Francine Grandjean during this difficult time.
