Maria Granello-Grilletti was an Italian supercentenarian. Her age has been validated by the European Supercentenarian Organisation (ESO).
Aki Hakii (波木井アキ), 111, of Yokohama, Japan: A Life of Quiet Dedication and Community Trust
Translate:
BIOGRAPHY
Maria Granello was born in Quinto di Treviso, Veneto, Italy, on 11 December 1904, to to Francesco and Amalia Busato. Maria was born into a family of six siblings. The Granello home stood directly opposite Villa Ciardi, where a renowned family of painters lived. At a young age, Maria left her hometown of Quinto for a couple of years to live at Palazzo Ciardi in Venice. There, she had the opportunity to attend a high fashion atelier, where she learned the art of dressmaking—from initial sketch to final creation.
Upon returning to Quinto, Maria nurtured her passion for tailoring, creating garments and even wedding dresses. Her final masterpiece was crafted at the age of 92: a silk dress she made to attend her nephew’s wedding. From her marriage to Emilio Grilletti—who, along with his two brothers, owned a sawmill in Quinto—came eight children: Linda, Gelindo, Augusto, Gino, Vanna, Daniela, Roberto, and Carlo.
In addition to raising her large family and working as a seamstress, Maria was also actively involved in Catholic Action.
Even at the age of 108, Maria could still recite the verses she had learned in school, as well as prayers in Latin. She remained independent, even feeding herself. Though a few health issues and two hospital stays left her somewhat tired, by 109 she was still mentally sharp. She had a hearty appetite, a special fondness for sweets, and enjoyed spending time in the company of others, especially in front of the television.
Maria Granello passed away in Quinto di Treviso, on 11 August 2016, at the age of 111 years, 244 days.
RECOGNITION
On 8 January 2015, following the passing of Margherita Venzo, she became the oldest living person in Veneto. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Rosina Paesan.
Granello’s age was verified by Paolo Scarabaggio and validated by the ESO on 20 June 2021.
ATTRIBUTION
* “La nonnina di Marca festeggia i 109 anni recitando in un film” – Tribuna di Treviso, 10 December 2013
* “Maria, la sarta di Quinto compie 111 primavere: è la nonna di tutti i veneti” – Tribuna di Treviso, 11 December 2015
* “Ha 111 anni: la nonna record abita qui” – Il Gazzettino, 15 December 2015
GALLERY
Granello (center) as a young woman. (Source: Tribuna di Treviso)
On her 110th birthday. (Source: Tribuna di Treviso)
Related Profiles
Related posts:
[crp limit=’4′ ]