Sister Inah peacefully passed away at her home in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, on April 30. Her religious community, the Company of Saint Teresa of Jesus, confirmed her death, stating it was due to natural causes. She was set to celebrate her 117th birthday on May 27.
Renowned for her longevity, joyful demeanor, and unwavering faith, Sister Inah was recognized as the world’s oldest living person in January by LongeviQuest. Born on June 8, 1908, her family noted that her birth was registered late, making her actual birthday May 27. Choosing the path of a nun in her teenage years, she dedicated her life to teaching and prayer, impacting thousands of students in Brazil and Uruguay, including a former student who became Brazil’s president during military rule, Gen.
Joao Figueiredo. Sister Inah had a passion for art, sports, and prayer. At 116, she attributed her longevity to her faith, stating, ‘I’m young, pretty and friendly — all very good, positive qualities that you have too,’ during a visit at her retirement home. She was the second-oldest nun recorded and assumed the title of the world’s oldest person following the death of Japan’s Tomiko Itooka in December 2024. The current oldest person is Ethel Caterham, a 115-year-old from the UK.
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Sister Inah’s funeral was held on May 1 in Porto Alegre, and her religious community expressed that she will be cherished for her contributions as a teacher, nun, and a woman who witnessed over a century of history.
