BIOGRAPHY

Højer was born in Næsborg, Nordjylland, Denmark on 1 November 1905 as the daughter of farmer Peter Højer. She grew up on the family farm with her older brother, Hans, who died in 2001 aged 97. Her mother died when she was eight years old. She remembered electricity being introduced to her property in 1918.

In her teenage years, Højer assisted her father with farm work. Aged 20, she moved to Kolding to seek employment, where she eventually managed a department store. In 1940, she witnessed German soldiers passing through Kolding.

In 1949, Højer moved to Silkeborg to run a department store, doing so until her retirement aged 75. She never married and had no children. She frequented her local church, and took pride in her independence.

Højer died on 18 March 2016 at the age of 110 years, 138 days.

RECOGNITION

Following the death of 110-year-old Marie Jensen on 30 January 2015, Højer, then aged 109, became Denmark’s oldest living resident. Upon her own death, the title passed to Ellen Brandenborg, 110.

Højer’s age was verified by Jimmy Lindberg and validated by LongeviQuest on 26 May 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

• Danmarks ældste bor nu i Silkeborg Midtjyllands Avis, 2 February 2015
• 110-årige Signe: Lev almindeligt og vær glad for livet! Kristeligt Dagblad, 31 October 2015
• Danmarks ældste fylder 110 år Nyheder, 1 November 2015
• Danmarks ældste er død Midtjyllands Avis, 21 March 2016

GALLERY