BIOGRAPHY

Isabella Pelà was born in Rovigo, Veneto, Italy on 26 July 1914. At the age of 16, she married Achille Masarà, a judicial officer. At 18, she gave birth to her daughter Ilda (who passed away in 2023 in Bologna), and at 20, to her second child, Loris.

Due to her husband’s work, she lived in various cities across Emilia Romagna and Veneto, including Ravenna, followed by about twenty years in Lugo, and finally Bologna. Around 2014, she moved to Trentino, where she lived with her nephew, Alberto Bottiglieri. She also traveled extensively with her nephew, including annual trips to Phuket, Thailand, where she escaped the winter cold. Throughout her life, she visited numerous places such as Dubai, Bangkok, Pisa, Venice, Munich, Prague, and Salzburg. In 2022 and 2023, her nephew accompanied her on trips to Spain. Known for her deep faith, she prayed regularly at home and attended Mass every Sunday. She often remarked, “I owe my longevity to the Lord.” Even while in Phuket, she made a point of attending religious ceremonies.

Pelà contracted COVID-19 twice. However, she successfully recovered, becoming one of the oldest known survivors of the virus.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated by LongeviQuest.

ATTRIBUTION

* “I 110 anni di Isabella Pelà, tra ricordi e lunghi viaggi” – Rai News, 27 July 2024

* ““Signora giramondo a 110 anni: “D’inverno vivo in Thailandia, ma mangio tortellini anche lì”” – il Resto del Carlino, 8 August 2024

* “A 110 anni Isabella Pelà gira il mondo con il nipote: «D’inverno in Thailandia, ma voglio vedere Roma e Parigi»” – Corriere di Bologna, 10 August 2024

GALLERY