BIOGRAPHY

Elaine Vieira dos Santos was born in São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, on 23 October 1916. In her youth, Elaine enjoyed studying, attending Sunday Mass with her classmates, and going to dances. At the age of 24, she moved to Bagé, after marrying Henrique dos Santos, a train inspector. Shortly after her marriage, she opened a sewing studio with her sister-in-law, where they crafted elegant evening gowns for prominent families of the time, including the Tavares, Moglia, and Espírito Santo families. She continued working there for 15 years. She was the mother of two daughters, Ana Maria Viera dos Santos and Maria de Lourdes dos Santos de Quadros. Her daughter, Maria de Lourdes, passed away on 14 September 2022.

Even in her later years as a centenarian, she remained a devoted fan of the Grêmio de Porto Alegre soccer team. She was never a picky eater and didn’t drink alcohol, preferring guaraná instead. She had a sweet tooth, with a particular fondness for ice cream. A deeply religious and devout Catholic, she kept an open Bible at home, even at the age of 105. To celebrate her 105th birthday, she planned to attend Mass at the Nossa Senhora Auxiliadora Parish. At the age of 106, Elaine stayed active and engaged. During the day, she enjoyed reading newspapers and watching the news on TV. In the afternoons, she often played card games like canasta and continued to excel at crocheting. Though she used a walker, she still moved around the house and loved going for car rides, usually accompanied by her granddaughter.

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Gabriel Ainsworth, and validated by LongeviQuest on 18 December 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Ex-costureira, que dorme bastante e tem disposição para comer, chega aos 105 anos” – Jornal Folha do Sul, 22 October 2021

* “Elaine Vieira celebra 106 anos de vida” – Jornal Minuano, 5 November 2022

* “Elaine Vieira dos Santos celebra 108 anos” – Jornal Minuano, 26 October 2024

GALLERY