BIOGRAPHY

Virgilia de Diego Carnicero was born in Fuentecantos in the province of Soria, Castile and León, Spain, on 27 November 1912. She was the second of seven siblings. Around the age of 12, due to her family’s reliance on farming and livestock—and with only one brother—she had to assist her family from a young age. In Fuentecantos, she met her husband, Andrés Calonge, and had their first child (Pilar Calonge) at 33, all while continuing to work with the land and animals. The couple had three children. According to her daughter, she was always a family-oriented woman, committed to keeping her loved ones united.

The family would harvest in the village and travel by horseback or on foot to the capital for the San Juan festivities. Her husband passed away around 1982. She continued living in Soria until the age of 98, where the couple had settled after retirement. Though she had some help, she cooked for herself and had no trouble living independently. She spent some time with her family in Barcelona before eventually moving to a retirement home, following her friends there.

From the age of 102, she required a wheelchair for mobility. Even in her later years, she enjoyed her daily coffee while her family took her for walks. In her later years, while living in a retirement home, she won numerous trophies. She first excelled at bowling, competing in Dehesa and across the province of Soria in various championships. Later, she found success in card games, particularly brisca and guiñote. At the age of 109, she had six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. At the time, she didn’t need glasses or hearing aids. Her primary source of entertainment at the retirement home, aside from spending time with her family, was participating in the various activities and crafts offered there.

Virgilia de Diego Carnicero passed away in Barcelona, on 26 June 2023, aged 110 years, 211 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Virgilia de Diego, posiblemente la mujer más longeva de la provincia de Soria” – Heraldo-Diario de Soria, 12 December 2021

* “Fallece a los 110 años y 7 meses la abuela de Soria, Virgilia de Diego” – Heraldo-Diario de Soria, 28 June 2023

* “Fallece a los 110 años Virgilia de Diego, la persona más longeva de Soria” – desdeSoria – Periódico digital de Soria, 28 June 2023

GALLERY