Lucile Randon, World’s Oldest Living Person, Passes Away at 118

The world’s oldest known person, French nun Lucile Randon, also known as Sister Andrée, has passed away at the age of 118. According to a spokesperson for the Sainte-Catherine-Labouré nursing home in Toulon, Randon died peacefully in her sleep.

Randon was born in southern France on February 11, 1904, and spent most of her life as a school teacher. She later became a nun and lived at the nursing home in Toulon for many years.

David Tavella, the spokesperson for the nursing home, said that there is great sadness at Randon’s passing, but it was her desire to be reunited with her beloved brother. “For her, it’s a liberation,” Tavella stated.

Randon was recognized by the Gerontology Research Group as the oldest living person in the world and was also recognized by the Guinness World Records. She was also known as the oldest European before the death of Kane Tanaka from Japan who passed away at the age of 119 last year.

Born in 1904 in southern France, Lucile Randon lived through many significant historical events, such as the opening of New York’s first subway and the first Tour de France.

She worked as a governess and tutor before joining a convent in 1944 at the age of 40. Sister Randon had been living in nursing homes since 1979 and in the Sainte-Catherine-Labouré nursing home in Toulon since 2009.

Despite her advanced age and the ongoing pandemic, Sister Randon remained mentally sharp until the end of her life. In 2021, she survived a bout of Covid-19 after the virus swept through the nursing home where she lived, killing 10 other residents. At the time, she told a local newspaper, “I didn’t even realize I had it.” David Tavella, the spokesperson for the nursing home, said that the nun had shown no fear of the virus and was more worried about the other residents.

Lucile Randon was recognized by the Gerontology Research Group as the oldest living person in the world and also recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest European before the death of Kane Tanaka from Japan who passed away at the age of 119 last year.

Sister Lucile Randon’s passing marks the end of an era, as she was one of the last surviving people to have been born in the 19th century. Her longevity and sharp mind until the end of her life serve as a reminder of the power of a positive attitude, strong faith and a healthy lifestyle. Sister Randon’s legacy will live on through her family and the countless lives she touched during her 118 years on earth.