Photo: Facebook
A 124-year-old woman, said to be the oldest living person in the world, has died.
Government officials in Kabankalan, Philippines, in Negros Occidental announced the death of “Lola” Francisca Susano viaFacebookon Monday.
“It is with sadness in our heart when we received the news that our beloved Lola Francisca Susano passed away early this Monday evening November 22,” the City of Kabankalan posted on Facebook.
City leaders Mayor Pedro Zayco, Jr. and Vice Mayor Raul Rivera and “all the people of Kabankalan City condole and pray with the family of Lola Iska in their period of bereavement. Lola Iska will always remain as our inspiration and pride,” the announcement concluded.
Despite Kabankalan officials' claims, Guinness World Records currently lists Kane Tanaka, born on Jan. 2, 1903, of Japan as the world’s oldest living woman at age 118.
A cause of death is currently under investigation, city public information officer Jake Carlyne Gonzales toldCNN Philippines. Earlier this week, the city said the centenarian would be tested for COVID-19, though it was reported Susano did not show any symptoms leading up to her death.
Susano was reportedly born on Sept. 11, 1897, and was believed to be the only person alive who was born in the 19th century.
According to theMetro UK, she attributed her long-life to a plant-based diet and abstaining from alcohol use.
In February, a French nun believed to be the second-oldest living person in the world beat COVID-19, days before she celebrated her 117th birthday, according to reports.
Sister André tested positive for the virus in mid-January, but showed no symptoms, French media reported, according to theAssociated Press.
“I didn’t even realize I had it,” she reportedly told French newspaperVar-Martin.
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“No, I wasn’t scared because I wasn’t scared to die,” she said, according toReuters. “I’m happy to be with you, but I would wish to be somewhere else — join my big brother and my grandfather and my grandmother.”
source: people.com
