Luigia Mercalli

BIOGRAPHY

Luigia Mercalli was born in Carloforte, Sardinia, Italy, on 17 February 1915, to parents Piergiorgio Mercalli and Limbania Rivano. She began her studies at the Institute of the Carlo Felice Sisters at the age of 12 and a half. Graduating early at just 16 from the School of Method for Maternal Education—now the Pedagogical Institute—she quickly embarked on her teaching career. Her teaching career began at just 17 when she was persuaded by the principal to accept a 15-day substitute teaching position in Carloforte. She initially taught music and choral singing before transitioning to home economics. From that moment on, she remained in the field, dedicating 46 years to education. In 1938, she traveled to Padua to earn a diploma in Professional Teacher Training for Women and later took the state exam in Rome.

During World War II, she witnessed the bombings in Carloforte in 1943, where she assisted the wounded, even accompanying them to the hospital.

At 36, on 28 June 1951, she married Luigi Quaquero, an artillery officer, and moved to Cagliari. There, she taught technical education in vocational schools until the education reform of 1963. Following the reform, she continued teaching Technical Education at Alfieri Middle School until her retirement in 1979. She had two daughters, Angela and Myriam.

On her 109th birthday, the Municipality of Cagliari honored her with a medal and a commemorative parchment.

RECOGNITION

On 20 July 2024, following the passing of Amelia Addari, she became the oldest (known) living person in Sardinia.

Her age was verified by Paolo Scarabaggio, and validated by the European Supercentenarian Organisation (ESO) on 5 May 2025.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Luisetta Mercalli turns 108: big party in Cagliari” – L’Unione Sarda.it, 17 February 2023

* “Luisetta Mercalli, 109 anni di storia, saggezza e grazia” – Comune di Cagliari, 17 February 2024

* “Compie gli anni la donna più anziana di Sardegna: la storia dell’ultracentenaria Luigia” – Agenzia Dire, 17 February 2025

GALLERY

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