Franziska Schmid

BIOGRAPHY

Franziska Schmid was born on a small property in the heart of Haldenwang, Oberallgäu, Bavaria, Germany on 16 October 1912, as the farmer’s daughter. She had six siblings. From a very young age, she worked as a nanny and a shepherd’s assistant.

In 1937, she married Benedikt Schmid. She lost her husband during World War II in 1945. As a single mother of three children (Frieda Marianne, Jaques Johann, and Thea), she worked tirelessly and saved what she could. Motivated by her own experience, she later extended her support to other young mothers by gradually taking in eight foster children. After her two daughters emigrated to the USA and Canada, and her son settled into a new home following his marriage, she cared for her grandson. She spent 14 years working at the Chamignon cheese factory before transitioning to a career in cleaning.

Following a hip operation in the late 1960s, she relied on two canes for support. With these walking aids, she frequently strolled through the city, even well into her later years. She rarely missed early mass, the rosary, or Sunday service. For many years, she continued to do her own shopping and housework. Around the age of 103, she left her home in Haldenwang and moved in with her son Hans in nearby Boos.

Even in her centenarian years, she maintained a positive outlook on life. When asked about the secret to longevity, she simply replied, “You have to be happy with what you have.” On her 105th birthday, she was visited by Deputy District Administrator Stephan Winter and Boos Mayor Helmut Erben. As of her 110th birthday, she resided in the St. Andreas district senior citizens’ home in Babenhausen.

Franziska Schmid passed away in Babenhausen, Bavaria, Germany, on 15 December 2022, at the age of 110 years, 60 days. She was survived by her three children, six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Bauerntochter, Mutter, Reisende: 105-Jährige erzählt aus ihrem Leben” – Augsburger Allgemeine, 27 November 2017

* “Älteste Frau im Unterallgäu feiert ihren 110. Geburtstag” – Augsburger Allgemeine, 19 October 2022

* “Franziska Schmid im Alter von 110 Jahren verstorben” – LINUS WITTICH Medien

* “Traueranzeigen von Franziska Schmid” – Trauer im Allgäu

GALLERY

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