It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Sister Andre, the world’s oldest living person, who passed away early Tuesday.
Born Lucile Randon in 1904, Sister Andre lived an incredible 118 years, and was a crowning achievement in the world of longevity.
Sister Andre was a teacher and governess during World War II, and went on to spend almost three decades working with orphans and caring for the elderly at a French hospital before becoming a Catholic nun in 1944.
Throughout her life, she faced many challenges, including the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 and COVID-19 in 2021, but she always persevered and remained positive.
When asked if she feared COVID-19, Sister Andre replied:
No, I wasn’t scared because I wasn’t scared to die…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.
It’s clear that Sister Andre lived her life with a strong sense of purpose and a deep love for others. She was crowned the oldest person by the Guinness World Records after Kane Tanaka of Japan passed away in April 2022 at the age of 119.
Sister Andre’s spokesperson, David Tavella, said that her passing was her desire to join her beloved brother and that for her, it was freedom.
The mayor of Toulon, Hubert Falco, also shared his condolences, saying that France lost a nun with a big heart, who had immense wisdom and love for others.
Sister Andre’s sweet tooth and daily glass of wine may have been small indulgences, but they were a testament to her joie de vivre and her ability to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
She will be greatly missed, but her legacy of love and care for others will live on.
