BIOGRAPHY

Elvira Larsson was born in Ovansjo, Gävleborg, Sweden, on 27 July 1908. She grew up on a farm. She described her childhood as a time of safety and peace, free from stress. Life moved at a relaxed, unhurried pace, and she was surrounded by many caring aunts who looked after her.

At the age of 26, she met her husband, Anders Larsson. The couple moved to Hamrånge, where they managed a brewery alongside Anders’ two brothers. During their time at the brewery, she gave birth to two daughters, Anna-Lisa and Marianne. She fondly described raising her children as the happiest period of her life. In addition to her daughters’ upbringing, one of her most cherished memories was the visit of the Crown Princess couple to Ockelbo. She was actively involved in both the church and the Red Cross.

At the age of 105, she had five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Following the passing of Hertha Åkerlind on 10 July 2018, she became the oldest living woman in Sweden.

At the time of her death, she was the nation’s second-oldest living resident, after Carl Mattsson.

Larsson’s age validated by the European Supercentenarian Organisation (ESO) on 23 January 2020.

ATTRIBUTION

* “107-åriga Viran är äldst i Gästrikland” – Arbetarbladet, 26 July 2015

GALLERY