Odette Nassif

BIOGRAPHY

Odette Nassif was born in Igarapava, in the interior of São Paulo, to Nicolau Jorge Nassif (born in Kfaraakka, Lebanon, and died on 7 November 1962) and Maria Bichuette Nassif (born in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, and died in January 1981). She was the fourth of the couple’s twelve children, and is presently the last one surviving.

From a young age, Odette showed an interest in various areas of knowledge and the arts. She studied at the Normal School, at the Colégio Nossa Senhora de Lourdes, in Franca (São Paulo), graduating as a teacher. She also learned to play the piano, painted pictures with dedication and attended dressmaking school.

She married Dr. Jairo Borges do Val (12 October 1911 – 30 January 2001), and together they moved to Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul. There, the couple founded the São Lucas Hospital, an important milestone in the city’s history. Odette played a fundamental role in the running of the hospital, from administration to patient care, providing nursing services and directly assisting with medical care.

After her separation, Odette returned to Igarapava with her daughter, Maria Odette. In this new phase of her life, she began working as a seamstress, with great talent and dedication, and had the joy of seeing her daughter graduate in Physiotherapy.

At the age of 108, Odette lives in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, with her daughter. She has one granddaughter: Aline, and two great-grandchildren: Murilo and Noah. Much loved by her neighbors and friends, she is affectionately called “grandma” by everyone around her. Her lucidity and joie de vivre impress everyone: she uses her cell phone with skill and keeps in daily contact with family and friends via WhatsApp.

In 2024, Odette celebrated her 108th birthday in good health and with gratitude to God, being a true example of strength, dedication and love of life.