Marija Žekš, the oldest living person in Slovenia, passed away on 25 March, at the age of 109 years, 225 days, according to Lendavainfo.com. She passed away at a hospital in Murska Sobota.
Marija Žekš was born Marija Kovačič in the settlement of Drevenik, in northeastern Slovenia, on 12 August 1916. She spent her childhood with a foster mother in Maribor after losing both of her parents at an early age. There, she found employment in a textile factory.
In 1939, she married Alojz Žekš from Pečarovci, and during World War II they moved there together. They had two children, a daughter, Olga, and a son, Mirko. She worked at the local elementary school in Pečarovci as a cook and cleaner, while also assisting her husband, a tailor, with sewing.
After retiring in 1969, she and her husband moved to Beltinci in 1977 to live with their daughter. She remained active, hardworking, and deeply devoted to her family. Following her husband’s death in 1999, her health gradually declined, and in 2011 she moved to a nursing home.
Following the passing of 111-year-old Julijana Zakrajšek in 2024, she became the oldest living person in Slovenia.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Marija Žekš during this difficult time.
