María Luisa Melcón Alonso

BIOGRAPHY

María Luisa Melcón Alonso was born in Madrid, on 18 December 1914. From a young age, she knew she wanted to pursue an education and build a professional career. She trained as a teacher and worked for several years in Tarancón (Cuenca), where she met her husband, Serafín, who was also a teacher. The couple eventually moved to Madrid, where they had two children (both of whom she outlived). She continued her teaching career at a school in the Spanish capital until her retirement.

Occasionally, she enjoyed a glass of liquor but never smoked. According to her granddaughter Cristina, she had a hearty appetite and ate everything without restrictions. Until the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, she led an active and independent life. She went shopping, managed her household chores, and stayed as engaged as possible in daily activities.

In December 2023, she was admitted to the Geriatrics Department at the Infanta Sofía Hospital in San Sebastián de los Reyes for a broken hip. She was discharged in perfect condition just a week later, on 18 December, her 109th birthday. The hospital staff celebrated the occasion by gathering to present her with a bouquet of flowers and singing “Happy Birthday,” joined by a group of passing firefighters. Reflecting on her age, she said she didn’t have a secret to longevity, remarking, “I feel the same as any other day,” and, “I don’t have a formula—or at least, I haven’t discovered it yet.” Throughout this time, Cristina and Ester, her two granddaughters—daughters of her late daughter who passed away from cancer—took turns caring for her daily. They described her as a woman with a strong character who was quick to forgive and let go of grievances. She often advised them, “Don’t get angry; it’s not worth it and serves no purpose.”

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “El secreto para llegar a los 109: «No enfadarse mucho»” – La Razón, 24 December 2023

* “Nuestra querida María Luisa celebra hoy su 110 cumpleaños” – Facebook (Lucía S. Fernández Alonso), 18 December 2024

GALLERY

[crp limit=’4′ ]