Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas: A Life Celebrated and Remembered

Sister Inah, the world’s oldest known person, was beloved for her unwavering faith, zest for life, and passion for football, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that will be cherished for generations.

Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, born on June 8, 1908, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, passed away at the age of 116, marking the end of a remarkable life that was filled with faith, love, and football. Sister Inah, who became a Catholic nun in her early 20s, is remembered for her vibrant spirit and dedication to her religious community and passions.

Renowned for celebrating her birthday with a cake shaped like the stadium of her favorite football team, Sport Club Internacional, Sister Inah left an indelible mark on those who surrounded her. Despite her remarkable longevity, which she attributed to her strong faith—remarking “he [God] is the secret to life”—her family noted that she gradually succumbed to old age without significant illness.

Sister Inah died at a home belonging to the Teresian Sisters in Porto Alegre, where she was well-cared for by her religious community. Her nephew remarked that, although her body gradually began to fail her, the nun enjoyed good health for most of her life, only requiring cataract surgery at the age of 106.

Fellow Teresian nuns and those within her community remembered her as a kind-hearted and warm individual who never complained. She adhered to a strict routine in her final years, which included a daily schedule of eating, praying, and sleeping at the same times, reflecting her disciplined lifestyle.

Upon her passing, a wave of tributes flowed in from across Brazil, including heartfelt condolences from Sport Club Internacional, who recognized her kindness and love for the club. Sister Rita Fernandes Barbosa, a co-ordinator at the home where Sister Inah lived, noted that her longevity was due to her disciplined approach to life, a trait she maintained throughout her years.

With Sister Inah’s passing, the title of the world’s oldest living person has now been passed to Ethel Caterham, aged 115 from Surrey, England. Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas’s legacy, characterized by her faith, community spirit, and love for the beautiful game, will be celebrated and remembered by many.