BIOGRAPHY

Avelina Alves de Assis Lima was born in São José do Calçado, Espírito Santo, Brazil, on 15 February 1917, to parents Emydio Nilo Machado and Florinda Alves de Assis. She was one of nine siblings.

On 16 October 1937, she married Reinaldo Barbosa de Lima, and together they had 11 children (eight living as of March 2025). As of March 2025, eight of her children were still alive, with Luzia being the one responsible for Avelina’s care. The others were Marlene, Graça, Ana, Rita, Tânia, Penha, Pedro, Benedito, Virgílio, and Antônio. At the time, she also had 24 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.

The family moved to Rio de Janeiro in search of a better life, but after several years, Reinaldo fell seriously ill and passed away on 15 September 1987, leaving Avelina a widow.

Throughout her life, Avelina was a strong, resilient woman who loved to engage with everyone who visited her. She had a talent for telling stories, always sharp, lucid, and memorable in her narratives. Even in her centenarian years, she was still washing her own clothes right after bathing, maintaining her independence. Her favorite foods included chicken with okra and cornmeal (angu). She would also enjoy having a glass of wine.

Avelina was always mentally sharp, inquiring about all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. In her centenarian years, she fell and broke her femur. The doctors said it would be impossible for her to walk again, but she made a full recovery and was soon back on her feet.

RECOGNITION

Her age is currently under review.

ATTRIBUTION

GALLERY