Maria Hermogênea dos Santos recognized as Santa Catarina's oldest resident

Maria Hermogênea dos Santos, aged 109, has been recognized by the international institute LongeviQuest as the oldest person in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Born on February 28, 1917, in Guaramirim, she currently resides in Joinville.

Her status as the state's oldest resident follows the death of Tomásia Machado de Bitencourt in June 2026. Throughout her life, Maria has witnessed major historical milestones, including both World Wars, the Cold War, the moon landing, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Maria grew up in a large family and moved to Joinville in 1972. She has remained active in her community through senior groups and religious activities.