BIOGRAPHY

Josefa Santos González was born in Burguillos del Cerro, Extremadura, Spain, on 7 September 1906.

At the age of 27, she married Ramón, and for a time the couple ran a small tavern known locally as La Albuera, famous among neighbours for the generously sized glasses of wine they served. Later, they dedicated their lives to working in the olive groves of the countryside, striving to provide for their five children: Rafaela, Luisa, José, Isabel, and Luis. According to her granddaughter, Isabel Álvarez, all of Josefa’s children eventually had to leave their hometown in search of work and a better future. Some settled in Badajoz, others in Madrid, and even as far away as Germany.

At 102, she broke her hip. Her family feared the worst, but she made a remarkable recovery. Then, just three months before her 110th birthday, she broke her femur near the site of the previous operation. Doctors doubted she would survive the surgery, although it was necessary. But once again, she defied the odds and recovered wonderfully. While her legs may no longer supported her, her mind remained as sharp as ever.

Josefa Santos González passed away in Madrid, Community of Madrid, on 22 December 2019, at the age of 113 years, 106 days. She was survived by two daughters, Isabel (79) and Luisa (83), as well as 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

On 1 May 2019, following the passing of 115-year-old Magdalena Oliver Gabarró, she became the oldest living person in Spain, at the age of 112 years, 236 days. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by María Branyas Morera.

On 25 October 2019, at the age of 113 years, 48 days, she surpassed the final age of Francisco Núñez Olivera, becoming the oldest person ever born in Extremadura. She held the title until 5 October 2023, when Silveria Martín Díaz surpassed her final age.

Santos González’s age was verified by Daniel German Delgado, Eduardo García Onrubia, Emilio Ibáñez, and Miguel Quesada, and was validated by the ESO on 20 January 2020.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Josefa alcanza los 110 años añorando su pueblo” – HOY, 7 September 2016

* “Fallece a los 113 años Josefa Santos, la mujer con más edad de España” – HOY, 23 December 2019

GALLERY