Gerda Metze

BIOGRAPHY

Gerda Metze was born in Augustusburg, Saxony, Germany, on 12 July 1915. She had four siblings: Heinz, Gottfried, Anita, and Wolfgang. Her father died of a heart attack at the age of just 45, when she was only 15. Her mother, however, lived to be 101. By the age of six, she already knew she wanted to become a teacher. Inspired by her father, she often helped him grade papers as a young girl.

She began her career as a kindergarten teacher and later taught at the “Friedrich Engels” Polytechnic High School, now known as the Karolinum. In 1952, she moved to Altenburg. She had two children. Her son, Dieter, passed away in late December 2021 at the age of 83.

Over the course of her life, she traveled extensively and experienced remarkable adventures — including riding in a submarine, flying in a zeppelin, and even paragliding.

She celebrated her 105th birthday in Tyrol, accompanied by her daughter. When asked at the time what kept her so fit in old age, she credited nature, hiking, and the unwavering support of her family. At the age of 107, she visited the Merkers Adventure Mine—once the largest potash mine in the world—at the invitation of Thuringian Minister-President Bodo Ramelow. She was joined on the visit by her daughter and the mayor of Altenburg.

At the age of 110, she had eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Gerda Metze passed away in Altenburg, Thuringia, on 23 February 2026, at the age of 110 years, 226 days.

RECOGNITION

On 20 September 2022, following the passing of 111-year-old Margot Petzold, she became the oldest known living resident of Thuringia.

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Altenburgerin Gerda Metze feiert ihren 105. Geburtstag” – LVZ – Leipziger Volkszeitung, 15 July 2020

* “Altenburgerin feiert 108. Weihnachtsfest: Haben Sie noch Wünsche, Frau Metze?” – LVZ – Leipziger Volkszeitung, 24 December 2022

* “Älteste Thüringerin im Zentrum für Notfallmedizin” – sana.de, 10 August 2023

* “Älteste Thüringerin feiert 109. Geburtstag” – MDR, 12 July 2024

* “Altenburg 110 Jahre: Älteste Thüringerin feiert Geburtstag” – MDR, 13 July 2025

* “Älteste Thüringerin im Alter von 110 Jahren gestorben” – MDR, 24 February 2026

GALLERY

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