She was born in France on Feb. 11, 1904, as Lucile Randon and took the name Sister André in 1944. She spent most of her life in religious service as a Roman Catholic nun.
Sister André became the oldest living person last year when the previous oldest person, Kane Tanaka of Japan, died at 119 years old in April 2022. According to the Gerontology Research Group, the oldest living person is now Maria Branyas Morera of Spain at 115 years and 320 days, as of Wednesday.
Sister André also holds the record for oldest COVID-19 survivor, which she tested positive for a few weeks before her 117th birthday in 2021. She recovered from the virus in about three weeks. She also lived through the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918.
Lucile Randon, also known as Sister André, was a French supercentenarian and a nun who held the title of the world's oldest living person before her passing at the age of 118.
While there is no single factor that can definitively explain her longevity, Lucile Randon credited her long life to her faith, a balanced diet, and a positive outlook. She also lived a life of service and community, which may have contributed to her overall well-being.
Lucile Randon was born on February 11, 1904, in Alès, France. She became a nun in 1944 and spent much of her life working as a teacher and later caring for orphans and elderly people in hospitals. She was known for her kindness, resilience, and strong faith.
Lucile Randon was recognized by the Gerontology Research Group and the Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living person following the death of Kane Tanaka of Japan in April 2022. She was also the oldest known survivor of COVID-19, having recovered from the virus in 2021 at the age of 116.
Lucile Randon's remarkable age brought attention to the possibilities of human longevity and the factors that contribute to a long life. Her story inspired many people around the world and provided valuable insights for researchers studying aging and longevity.