A Japanese woman, Tomiko Itooka, who held the title of world’s oldest person according to Guinness World Records, has passed away.
Local official Yoshitsugu Nagata, who oversees elderly care policies, confirmed that Itooka died December 29 at a care facility in Ashiya, located in central Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture. She was 116 years old.
Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, Itooka lived an active life – she was a volleyball player in high school and twice conquered the 10,062-foot Mount Ontake.
She tied the knot at age 20 and had four children – two boys and two girls. During World War II, she kept her husband’s textile factory running. After becoming a widow in 1979 when her husband died, she made her home in Nara, living independently.
Earlier this year, she became the world’s oldest person following the passing of Maria Branyas, who was 117. When told she topped the World Supercentenarian Rankings List, Itooka simply said, “Thank you.”
She leaves behind a son, a daughter, and five grandchildren.
