BIOGRAPHY

Daniela López de Lacalle was born in Arraia-Maeztu, Basque Country, on 11 December 1909. At some point, she married Dionisio García Ocáriz, and the couple had two children, Conchi and Felipe. She spent her entire life alternating between working in the fields and running a bar in Apellániz. She lived in her hometown until she was about 60 years old, when she moved to the capital of Álava and took up residence in a doorman’s lodge on Avenida Gasteiz, where she worked for several years. In 1972, around the time she moved to Zaramaga, her husband passed away.

Until she was 101, she lived independently and regularly visited a senior citizens’ club to play cards, sing, and dance. In her early 100s, she suffered a heart attack that slowed her down somewhat. After her heart attack, she moved in with her daughter Conchi. Even as a centenarian, she loved making jokes and being teased in return. At 109, she had six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her family and friends believed that her longevity was due to her remarkable sense of humor.

Daniela López de Lacalle passed away in Vitoria, Basque Country, Spain, two days after her 111th birthday. She was survived by her two children, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

At the time of her passing, she was the oldest living person in Basque Country.

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “La alavesa más longeva cumple 111 años” – Gasteiz Hoy, 11 December 2020

* “Fallece dos días después de cumplir 111 años la octava mujer más longeva de España” – COPE, 14 December 2020

* “Fallece con 111 años la mujer más anciana de Euskadi” – El Correo, 14 December 2020

* Daniela López de Lacalle Sáenz – Esquelas – El Correo

GALLERY