Sister Inah Canabarro, the world’s oldest person, passed away on Wednesday, just weeks shy of her 117th birthday, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, faith, and service. Her death, which occurred at her home in Porto Alegre, Brazil, was attributed to natural causes, according to her religious congregation, the Company of Saint Teresa of Jesus, which confirmed the news. Sister Inah’s passing marks the end of an era, as she was not only a symbol of longevity but also an embodiment of the virtues of kindness, humility, and devotion that she lived by for nearly her entire life.
Sister Inah was born on May 27, 1908, in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, and she had the distinction of being the oldest person alive at the time of her passing, a title she held with grace and humility. Having been recognized by LongeviQuest in January 2024 as the world’s oldest person, Sister Inah was just a few weeks away from celebrating her 117th birthday. Her passing leaves behind a world that has been forever changed by the lessons she imparted through her work and her presence.
Despite her old age, Sister Inah’s mind remained sharp, and her spirit vibrant. She maintained an active and joyful presence until her death, and she frequently spoke about her deep Catholic faith, which she believed was a key factor in her remarkable longevity. In a video taken by LongeviQuest in February 2024, Sister Inah, in her usual jovial manner, recited prayers, shared stories, and offered advice. She could be seen cracking jokes with visitors, showing off her miniature paintings of wildflowers, and sharing her belief in the importance of faith and positivity.
“With faith, everything is possible,” Sister Inah once said, expressing how her religious devotion had shaped her life. She added, “I’m young, pretty, and friendly—all very good, positive qualities that you have too.” Her positive attitude and infectious personality were a source of inspiration for all who met her, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
The news of Sister Inah’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from people around the world, many of whom are reflecting on the profound impact she had on the lives of others. She was a deeply loved figure in her community, and her passing has left a void that cannot be filled. Her nephew, Cleber Canabarro, shared an emotional recollection of his aunt’s early life, revealing how she defied the odds from a very young age. He recalled how, as a child, Sister Inah was so frail and thin that many people doubted she would survive into adulthood. Yet, she not only survived but thrived, leading a life full of service, kindness, and dedication.
As a teenager, Sister Inah made the decision to dedicate her life to religious work, and she soon became a nun. She spent time in Montevideo, Uruguay, before eventually settling in Brazil. Throughout her life, she worked as a teacher, touching the lives of countless students along the way. One of her former students was Gen. João Figueiredo, the last military dictator to govern Brazil from 1964 to 1985. Sister Inah also became well-known for her role in creating two marching bands at schools located in sister cities across the border between Uruguay and Brazil, further contributing to her reputation as a dedicated educator and leader.
Sister Inah’s service to others was not confined to the classroom. She also became known for her compassionate and unwavering faith. She worked tirelessly to help those in need, particularly the disadvantaged and the vulnerable. Whether it was through her religious duties or her outreach efforts, Sister Inah’s deep empathy for others was evident in everything she did.
Over the years, Sister Inah was recognized for her extraordinary contributions to both her religious community and society. For her 110th birthday, she received special recognition from Pope Francis, who honored her for her decades of faithful service to the Catholic Church. At the time, she was the second oldest documented nun in history, after Lucile Randon, who held the title of the world’s oldest person until her death in 2023 at the age of 118.
Sister Inah’s achievement of reaching 117 years old places her among the top 20 oldest documented people in history, a remarkable feat that will be remembered for generations. As of now, the title of the world’s oldest person has passed to Ethel Caterham, a 115-year-old British woman. However, Sister Inah’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her and those who will continue to be inspired by her life story.
Sister Inah’s death also serves as a reminder of the incredible longevity that some people are able to achieve, along with the lifestyle factors that contribute to such extraordinary lifespans. Sister Inah’s approach to life—marked by faith, positivity, and service to others—has undoubtedly played a key role in her remarkable age. Her life was a testament to the idea that a life well-lived, dedicated to helping others, can bring rewards not just in terms of legacy, but also in the quality of the years one is able to enjoy.
In addition to the admiration of her religious and academic peers, Sister Inah’s death has also led to discussions about the potential secrets of longevity. People from all over the world have reached out to share their condolences and to express their appreciation for the lessons she imparted. Health experts have also pointed out that Sister Inah’s active lifestyle, commitment to faith, and the relationships she cultivated with others were factors that could have contributed to her long life. Many studies on supercentenarians suggest that factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and social connections play an important role in determining life expectancy, and Sister Inah’s life is a prime example of these factors at play.
As tributes pour in from people who knew Sister Inah personally, as well as those who admired her from afar, it is clear that her influence will continue to resonate. The Teresian nun congregation, which Sister Inah was a part of, has expressed its deep sorrow at the loss of one of its most beloved members. Her presence in the community will be sorely missed, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who strive to live with kindness, compassion, and purpose.
In the coming days, Sister Inah’s family, friends, and fellow members of the religious community will gather to remember her and celebrate the extraordinary life she led. A memorial service is expected to be held in Porto Alegre, Brazil, where Sister Inah had spent much of her later years. This service will be a time for reflection, remembrance, and honoring the incredible legacy that Sister Inah leaves behind.
Her passing serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living each day with intention, purpose, and love. Sister Inah Canabarro may no longer be with us physically, but her spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched, the lessons she taught, and the love she shared with everyone around her. May her memory continue to inspire those who knew her and those who learn about her life in the years to come.
