Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, affectionately known as a soccer-loving nun from Brazil, died on Wednesday at the age of 116, her religious community, the Irmãs Teresianas Brasil, has reported. With her birthday approaching in just a few weeks, her passing has evoked tributes and condolences from across the globe.
A social media post by her congregation expressed gratitude for her long life dedicated to service and requested divine acceptance into "His infinite love." The Irmãs Teresianas provided no specific cause of death. However, family members informed Brazilian media that Sister Inah passed away due to complications related to old age.
Towards the end of her life, her vision and hearing had begun to decline, though she had only undergone her first surgical procedure for cataracts at the age of 106. Sister Rita Fernandes Barbosa, provincial coordinator of the Irmãs Teresianas, shared insights about Sister Inah's remarkable resilience earlier this year.
Earlier this year, in January, the Guinness World Records officially recognized Sister Inah as the world's oldest living person following the death of Japan's Tomiko Itooka, also aged 116, who had been born before major historical events including World War I and the sinking of the Titanic. The year Sister Inah came into the world, significant innovations like the Model T automobile were unveiled, and essential scientific breakthroughs such as insulin were yet to be discovered.
Sister Inah's life, marked by her commitment to her religious path and the joys of life, continues to inspire countless individuals who believe in the enduring impact of love, faith, and community service.
