Gina Galvani

BIOGRAPHY

Gina Galvani was born in Castell’Arquato, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, on 16 December 1907, to parents Carlo and Nobilina Ravazzola. She grew up in her hometown as the daughter of farmers and married her neighbor, John Galvani, in 1927. Although John was born in Framingham, his family had returned to their homeland before eventually deciding to move back to the United States. In 1930, the Galvanis resettled in Framingham with their daughter, Ave Maria. A son, Carlo, was born soon afterward. Gina, a skilled seamstress, helped support the family by working at an apron factory on Eames Street. She became a U.S. citizen in 1944.

Galvani preferred a Mediterranean diet, centered around fresh fruits and vegetables, pasta, and tomato sauce. She complemented her healthy eating habits with a disciplined lifestyle—she never smoked or drank. Longevity also ran in her family; her only sibling, Pietro, lived to be 99.

Galvani lost her husband in 1978. Despite facing health challenges, she survived a breast cancer diagnosis earlier in life and underwent major gallbladder surgery around the age of 90. In her 90s, she also had a pacemaker installed. Galvani remained in her family home until March 2018, when, at the age of 110, she moved to a skilled nursing facility following the passing of her daughter.

Gina Galvani passed away in Framingham, Massachusetts, USA, on 27 January 2019, at the age of 111 years, 42 days. She was survived by seven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “The Framingham Heartbeat Spring” – Framingham Heart Study

* “Framingham’s Gina Galvani ready to celebrate 111th birthday” – Wicked Local, 7 December 2018

* Gina Galvani Obituary – Legacy

GALLERY

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