BIOGRAPHY

Bonifacia Valcabado Sanz was born in San Martín de Rubiales, Castile and León, Spain on 14 May 1914. After her father’s sudden and early passing, her mother took over the family’s brandy factory. Her mother wanted her five daughters to learn a trade, so she sent Bonifacia to Burgos to study cutting and dressmaking.

In 1943, she married Eduardo Orive, an Air Force pilot, and lived in Zaragoza and Reus before his death led her to return to Valladolid. The couple had no children. Throughout her adult life, she was a great fan of ballet, theater, and social events.

Her mother lived to be 102, and one of her relatives died at 106.

At the age of 108, when asked about the secret to her longevity, she said it may lie in not working too much, eating everything in small quantities, exercising daily, and drinking a small glass of Ribera wine each day.

Valcabado Sanz died in Valladolid, Castile and León, Spain, on 26 October 2024, at the age of 110 years, 165 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Fabrizio Villatoro, with the assistance of her family, and validated by LongeviQuest on 26 October 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* “«El secreto para vivir 108 años es no trabajar mucho y un vasito de Ribera al día»” – El Norte de Castilla, 18 May 2022

* “Bonifacia Valcabado bate el récord familiar de edad al cumplir 109 años” – El Norte de Castilla, 21 May 2023

* “La centenaria «más mayor de Valladolid» cumple 110 años” – El Norte de Castilla, 14 May 2024

GALLERY