Marie-Louise Meilleur, Canadian super-centenarian (b. 1880)

Marie-Louise Fébronie Meilleur, born Chassé on August 29, 1880, embarked on an extraordinary journey through time, living to the remarkable age of 117 years and 230 days before her passing on April 16, 1998. Hailing from Kamouraska, Quebec, Canada, she would eventually become recognized not just as a Canadian supercentenarian, but also as a figure who briefly held the title of the world's oldest living person, a testament to an exceptionally long and full life.

A Quintessential Canadian Supercentenarian

Her longevity earned Marie-Louise Meilleur the undisputed distinction of being the oldest validated Canadian ever recorded. To be classified as a supercentenarian means one has surpassed the age of 110, an achievement in itself that places individuals in an incredibly rare demographic. Madame Meilleur’s life spanned across three centuries, witnessing profound historical changes and technological advancements, from the late Victorian era through two World Wars, the Space Age, and into the dawn of the internet era. Her long life was also characterized by a large family; she bore ten children, though many unfortunately predeceased her, a common poignant reality for those who live to such extreme ages. She spent her final years at a nursing home in Corbeil, Ontario, an experience shared by many of the world's oldest individuals.

Brief Global Recognition

Marie-Louise Meilleur's profound age brought her into the international spotlight in the autumn of her life. On August 4, 1997, a significant moment in the history of human longevity occurred: the death of Jeanne Calment of France. Calment, whose incredible lifespan of 122 years and 164 days remains the longest fully authenticated human life, had held the title of the world's oldest recognized living person for many years. Upon Calment's passing, the mantle of the world's oldest recognized living person seamlessly passed to Marie-Louise Meilleur. This made her, for a period, the most senior member of the human family, a distinction that captured global attention and curiosity. Her time as the world's oldest, however, was relatively brief. Just shy of a year later, upon Meilleur's own death in April 1998, the title then transferred to Sarah Knauss of the United States, continuing the fascinating lineage of humanity's longest-lived individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marie-Louise Meilleur

Who was Marie-Louise Fébronie Meilleur?
Marie-Louise Fébronie Meilleur was a Canadian supercentenarian, born in Quebec, who became renowned for her extreme longevity, living for 117 years and 230 days. She held the record as the oldest validated Canadian ever.
How old was Marie-Louise Meilleur when she passed away?
She lived to the remarkable age of 117 years and 230 days. She was born on August 29, 1880, and passed away on April 16, 1998.
What significant longevity records did she hold?
Marie-Louise Meilleur holds the distinct record of being the oldest validated Canadian person in history. Additionally, for a period after the death of Jeanne Calment, she was recognized as the world's oldest living person.
Who was the world's oldest person before Marie-Louise Meilleur, and who succeeded her?
She became the world's oldest recognized living person after the passing of Jeanne Calment of France. Following Marie-Louise Meilleur's own death, the title of the world's oldest living person then passed to Sarah Knauss of the United States.
What does it mean to be a "supercentenarian"?
A supercentenarian is an individual who has lived to or surpassed the age of 110 years. It is an extremely rare demographic distinction.