BIOGRAPHY

Pilar Càlix Busquets was born in Guardiola de Font-rubí in the municipality of Font-rubí, Catalonia, Spain, on 12 October 1912, the youngest of three siblings. She studied in her hometown until the age of 12. After that, she stayed at home to help her mother and assist her older sister, who did custom embroidery with her sewing machine. Her father worked in the vineyard.

On 23 February 1932, at the age of 19, she married Jaume Gallego and moved to Les Cabanyes, where she spent most of her life. They began living with her mother-in-law and brother-in-law in the manor house, where her husband also worked in the vineyard. She attended mass every morning and afternoon. She had four children, but her first, a girl, died during childbirth. The birth took place at home—she actually gave birth to her first three children at home—and the midwife did not arrive in time, resulting in the loss of the baby. The next three children were boys, and she had her last child in the hospital. Her husband died around 1984.

At the age of 107, she had seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. When asked about the secret to her longevity and good health, she replied, “Work hard, do good, and don’t drink too much alcohol—just a little wine.”

Pilar Càlix Busquets passed away in Les Cabanyes, Catalonia, Spain, on 10 March 2024, at the age of 111 years, 150 days.

RECOGNITION

At the time of her passing, she was the second-oldest living person in Catalonia, after María Branyas Morera.

At the time of her passing, she was the oldest living person in the Province of Barcelona. Upon her passing, she was succeeded by Angelina Torres Vallbona.

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “El secret d’arribar als 107 anys és fer bondat” – El 3 de vuit, 15 March 2020

* “Mor als 111 anys Pilar Càlix, la dona més gran del Penedès i la segona de Catalunya” – El Cargol, 11 March 2024

GALLERY