BIOGRAPHY

Sgreva was born in the comune of Mestre in Venice, Veneto, Italy, on 19 August 1913. Her father, Tiziano, was an accountant and inspector for the State Railways. Her mother’s name was Eder Zotti. She mentioned that her unusual first name originated from Greek mythology, specifically from the tragedy of Oedipus, and she never quite understood why her parents chose it for her. In her early childhood, because of her father’s work, they relocated to San Marcuola in Venice. When World War I broke out, she and her family were refugees in Altavilla Vicentina, where the troops passed on their way to the trenches. During the war, her father was responsible for controlling civil and military trains. As a child, she took piano lessons. During holidays, the family would visit Altavilla Vicentina, where they owned a house, and return for the start of school. She pursued her master’s degrees in Venice, and as soon as she graduated and became a teacher, she began working in Torre di Mosto.

While she was accompanying a school play on the piano at the town theater, she met Luigi Furlani, a veterinary student in Bologna. They married after his graduation in 1937, and a year later, their only daughter, Anna Maria, was born.

In the summer of 1940, after World War II broke out, her husband departed for the front, leaving her alone with her mother and daughter. Despite the challenges, she persisted in teaching in Torre di Mosto, never once missing a day of school. Her husband eventually returned, but with serious lung problems that led to his discharge as a serious invalid. Serving as a lieutenant and veterinarian in Yugoslavia, he was responsible for the horses. Upon his return, he became highly critical of fascism. She remarked that what terrified her most were the bombings; from the town, she could see bombs falling on Portogruaro and Latisana.

After the war ended, she continued her teaching career, while her husband, dealing with invalidity, struggled to find a job. Meanwhile, their daughter pursued her studies in San Donà di Piave under the care of nuns, eventually graduating in literature from Padua. Sgreva dedicated 40 years of her life to teaching in Torre di Mosto, a commitment recognized by the Municipality with a medal for her service. In 1999, her daughter Anna Maria, who had taught in Mirano (Venice) for many years, moved to Milan with her three children, accompanied by Sgreva.

Until she reached the age of 100, she spent every summer vacationing in Eraclea, where she purchased a house in 1966. Upon reaching this milestone, the Municipality of Eraclea honored her as the oldest vacationer. Additionally, for her 100th birthday, the Municipality of Milan bestowed upon her the Golden Ambrogino. A councilor visited her residence for a small ceremony to commemorate the occasion.

On her 109th birthday, it was reported that her daily routine included watching television and reading the newspaper, despite suffering from hearing loss.

On her 109th birthday, it was reported that her daily routine included watching television and reading the newspaper, despite suffering from hearing loss.

RECOGNITION

Her age was validated by the ESO on 14 April 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Argia Sgreva Furlani, 110 anni: «Il mio segreto per sopravvivere a due guerre e a due epidemie, la spagnola e il Covid»” – Il Gazzettino, 30 January 2023

* “Argia, addio a 110 anni: è morta la veneziana più vecchia” – Il Gazzettino, 8 September 2023

GALLERY