Lucia Laura Sangenito, the oldest living Italian, celebrated her 115th birthday today.
In a video shared by journalist Enzo Costanza, Mrs. Sangenito is seen surrounded by family members from multiple generations, along with local dignitaries including local mayor Vito Di Leo and commanders from the Carabinieri, or national police.
Mrs. Sangenito is also the fourth-oldest living person in the world, and the fifth-oldest Italian person ever.
Biography
Lucia Laura Sangenito was born in Sturno, Campania, Italy on 22 November 1910. Longevity runs in her family: her mother lived to age 101. On 2 February 1939, she got married and went on to have four children, of whom two died immediately after birth. She has two surviving children today, Michele and Maria. In her younger years, she worked as an agricultural laborer and served as a midwife for the children of Sturno. Her husband was a farmer. She voted for the Republic in the 1946 Italian institutional referendum.
Her husband passed away in 2010, aged 98, one month before Mrs. Sangenito’s 100th birthday. In May 2018, at the age of 107, she fell, fracturing her femur, and subsequently underwent surgery. At time of her 110th birthday, she had two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. When interviewed by the online newspaper Ottopagine, she said, “I have made many sacrifices… I am happy with my life, even if I died immediately, I would be happy for what I have experienced. We always thank God. What He wants, I do. He gave me these years and I’m taking them.” It is reported that she favors light meals, dislikes sweets, has a preference for vegetables, and enjoys broth in the evening. Sangenito currently lives in Sturno, Campania, Italy.
LongeviQuest wishes Nonna Laurina a very happy birthday, and more years of health and happiness!
Lucia Laura Sangenito, oldest living Italian person, on her 115th birthday. (Still of video by Enzo Costanza, via Facebook)
Lucia Laura Sangenito, oldest living Italian person, surrounded by family on her 115th birthday. (Still of video by Enzo Costanza, via Facebook)
Lucia Laura Sangenito, oldest living Italian person, with her 115th birthday cake. (Still of video by Enzo Costanza, via Facebook)
Lucia Laura Sangenito, oldest living Italian person, with Mayor Vito Di Leo on her 115th birthday. (Still of video by Enzo Costanza, via Facebook)
A sign commemorating the 115th birthday of Lucia Laura Sangenito, oldest living person in Italy, by her local government.
