Luigia Mercalli, the oldest living person in Sardinia, Italy, is celebrating her 111th birthday today in Cagliari, according to L’Unione Sarda.it.
Luigia Mercalli was born in Carloforte, Sardinia, on 17 February 1915, to parents Piergiorgio Mercalli and Limbania Rivano. She began her studies at the Institute of the Carlo Felice Sisters at the age of 12 and a half. Graduating early at just 16 from the School of Method for Maternal Education—now the Pedagogical Institute—she quickly embarked on her teaching career. Her teaching career began at just 17 when she was persuaded by the principal to accept a 15-day substitute teaching position in Carloforte.
At 36, on 28 June 1951, she married Luigi Quaquero, an artillery officer, and moved to Cagliari. There, she taught technical education in vocational schools until the education reform of 1963. Following the reform, she continued teaching Technical Education at Alfieri Middle School until her retirement in 1979. She had two daughters, Angela and Myriam.
On 20 July 2024, following the passing of Amelia Addari, she became the oldest (known) living person in Sardinia.
LongeviQuest extends warm congratulations to Luigia Mercalli on her 111th birthday.
