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A woman who said daily prayer was the secret to becoming the oldest woman in the world has died at the age of 117.
Dona Margarida Branco passed away from natural causes in a hospital in Sao Luiz Gonzaga on Tuesday night, 19th August.
She was well known among locals for her remarkable health and clarity of mind.
In an interview when she turned 115, Dona Margarida said prayer gave her strength and peace.
She kept a small altar in her bedroom where she prayed every evening, always dedicating part of it to her late mother.
She often spoke about her family with joy, once saying: "I don't think there's a happier person than me.
"At this age, I still remember my children. God forbid I should forget them, after I enjoyed being a mother so much. I did my best to raise them all well."
She added: "I have the will to live. When God wants to take me, I want to be asleep and never wake up again."
Family members said she never suffered any illnesses apart from hearing loss, and spent her life working her farm and raising her eight children without complaint.
Her great-granddaughter Nathana Kiwel said: "It's impossible to talk about Margarida without mentioning her spirituality, the sense of well-being she brought to us, to friends, to family, with her smile, with her gaze. I'm truly proud."
According to her ID, Dona Margarida was born in February 1908, which would have made her six months older than the currently recognised oldest living person, British supercentenarian Ethel Caterham.
She was never officially recognised because, while her ID supported the claim, officials require continuous records from birth onwards, such as early certificates and other documents, which were not available.
Dona Margarida leaves behind 39 grandchildren, 104 great-grandchildren, and 31 great-great-grandchildren.
She was laid to rest in the municipal cemetery of Sao Luiz Gonzaga on Wednesday, 20th August.
(Simona Kitanovska / newsX)
Byline Journalist: Simona Kitanovska
Byline Sub editor: Simona Kitanovska
Byline Spotter: Ivica Stojanovski
Byline Commisioning Editor: Mike Leidig
Byline Senior Writer: Simona Kitanovska
Byline Picture Editor: Zorica Stojkovik
Byline Copychecker: Marija Stojkoska
Byline Illustrator: Marija Stojkoska
Byline News Editor: Mike Leidig
Geography: São_luiz_gonzaga
Subject: Humans, Women, Inspirational, Social media, Society, Old Age
T4 Editor Story Rating: 6
T4 Editor Pic/Vid rating: 6
T4 Total rating: 6
