BIOGRAPHY

Venerando was born in Gravellona Lomellina, Lombardy, Italy, on 10 December 1904. In her youth, she contracted the Spanish flu. After the onset of the Great Depression in 1929, she and her husband moved to Turin, where her brother-in-law lived, following her husband Virginio’s job loss due to staff reductions. In Turin, the couple initially settled on Via Lombriasco before moving to Via Lancia, at the corner of Corso Trapani, in the tram drivers’ housing area. In 1935, their son Paolo Mantegazza was born. The following year, her husband and a cousin purchased a nearby plot of land and built a three-story house. The family moved into their new home in 1951.

During World War II, fearing the bombings, the family frequently sought refuge in a shelter for which they had purchased a “season ticket” (three thousand lire) for the entire war period. This “private” shelter, located beneath a factory, was closer than the public one. She later remarked that she always kept a bag ready and would quickly grab her son by the hand and run to safety.

When asked about the secret of her longevity, her son remarked that she ate a bit of everything but in very small quantities, and her body functioned well even at 110. He noted that while she had previously fallen a few times, she never seriously injured herself. At that time, she still used a walker for some mobility, but her eyesight had deteriorated to the point where she could no longer read or watch television, and her hearing had also diminished.

Venerando remained completely independent until she was 104. Until the spring of 2014, she was cared for by her son and daughter-in-law. On her 110th birthday, a party was held with thirty cousins and nephews in attendance, along with her closest family members: her son Paolo, her niece Giulia, her six-year-old great-grandson, and a visit from city councilor Michele Paolino, who brought a letter from the mayor.

Maria Venerando passed away in Turin, Piedmont, Italy, on 18 December 2014, just eight days following her 110th birthday.

RECOGNITION

Her age was validated by the ESO on 18 August 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* “La più anziana di Torino compie 110 anni” – La Stampa, 9 December 2014

GALLERY