BIOGRAPHY

Maria Antonia D’Amore was born in Cerchio, L’Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy, on October 20, 1909, to Francesco D’Amore and Carmela Colantonio. As a young girl, she survived the 1915 Avezzano earthquake, which devastated her hometown, claiming half the population. This early tragedy shaped her resilience, a quality that defined her long life.

In her 30s, D’Amore married Benedetto Maccallini, a worker from the nearby village of Aielli, and together they moved to Rome, where their first son, Sabatino, was born. However, the onset of World War II forced her to return to her birthplace for safety. During this time, her Roman home was destroyed by bombs, but she and her family survived. In 1944, they returned to Rome, and two years later, D’Amore gave birth to her daughter, Emidia.

Throughout her life, D’Amore embodied simplicity, faith, and a healthy lifestyle. She adhered to a Mediterranean diet, never overindulging in food and enjoying small pleasures like coffee and wine. Her strong faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she remained devoted to prayer, regularly attending Mass and reciting the Rosary.

D’Amore became a grandmother and great-grandmother, earning recognition for her remarkable longevity. By her 110th birthday in 2019, she was celebrated as the oldest woman in Abruzzo and one of the oldest in Italy. Despite her age, she weathered the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with calmness, supported by her caregiver, Flora, who had a unique history of caring for centenarians.

Maria Antonia D’Amore passed away in Rome on November 24, 2021, at the age of 112 years, 35 days. At the time of her death, she was the oldest known living person in Lazio and the second-oldest known living person in Italy, after Ida Zoccarato.

RECOGNITION

D’Amore’s age was verified by Paolo Scarabaggio and validated by the ESO on 17 November 2020.

ATTRIBUTION

GALLERY