An American-Canadian supercentenarian who lived to the age of 115, holding the record for the oldest person in Canada at the time of her death. She shared her secrets to longevity with the public, inspiring many.
Merle Barwis, a remarkable American-Canadian supercentenarian, is best known for being the oldest living resident of Canada and one of the oldest people to have ever lived in the country, with a remarkable lifespan of 113 years and 334 days. Her extraordinary life, spanning over a century, earned her a place in the record books as the last living Canadian person to have been born during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Merle Barwis was born on December 23, 1900, in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. A few years later, her family moved to Saskatchewan, Canada, where she spent most of her childhood. She married Dewey Barwis in 1923, and they had three children together. Her husband worked for the Canadian Pacific railway, and the family eventually settled in Victoria, British Columbia, in 1952, after his retirement.
Merle's husband, Dewey, passed away in 1966. Despite the loss, she continued to live an active life, celebrating her 111th birthday in 2011. Her remarkable story inspired many, and she became a beloved figure in Canadian history.
Merle's life serves as a testament to the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the human spirit. Her exceptional longevity has contributed significantly to our understanding of aging and its complexities.
Merle's remarkable life has had a profound impact on our understanding of aging and its implications on society. Her story has inspired researchers, policymakers, and the general public to re-examine the importance of healthcare, social support, and community engagement for the elderly.
As the global population ages, Merle's extraordinary life serves as a beacon of hope, highlighting the need for continued research and investment in gerontology, healthcare, and social services that support the well-being of older adults.
Merle Barwis passed away on November 22, 2014, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. Her remarkable life is a testament to the power of the human spirit, and her story will be remembered as a shining example of resilience, adaptability, and determination.
As we celebrate Merle's extraordinary life, we honor her memory by continuing to learn from her experience and striving to create a society that values and supports the well-being of all individuals, regardless of age.
Born in 1898
A Japanese super-centenarian who holds the record for being the oldest person in the world, living to the age of 117 years and 29 days. She is a remarkable example of longevity and a testament to the human body's potential.
Born in 1897
The oldest verified man ever, holding the Guinness World Record for the longest confirmed human lifespan, lived to 116 years and 54 days, sharing his secrets to longevity. He is a symbol of remarkable vitality and inspiration.
Born in 1899
Oldest verified living person in the world at the time of her death, holding the record for the highest confirmed age of 116 years and 311 days.
Born in 1898
An American supercentenarian who holds the record for being the oldest person in the world at the time of her death, and is one of the verified oldest people in recorded history.
Born in 1900
Oldest Jamaican ever, lived to 117 years and 226 days, holding the record for the oldest verified person from Jamaica.
Born in 1903
A Japanese supercentenarian who holds the record for being the oldest Japanese person and second oldest verified person in world history, living to the age of 119. She is a remarkable example of longevity and vitality.
Born in 1875
The oldest verified person ever, holding the record for the longest confirmed human lifespan, living to the age of 122 years and 164 days. She outlived both her daughter and grandson, and met Vincent van Gogh in 1888.
