The oldest person in Cuba, Lucía Chacón Hechavarría, passed away early Monday morning at the age of 112 years and 222 days in her hometown of Santiago de Cuba.
According to journalist Idalberto Aguilar Macias, who shared the news on Facebook, Lucía was born on December 13, 1911, in El Grillo, a locality situated between Sabanilla and Los Lazos in the former region of Mayarí Arriba, now known as Segundo Frente.
The Gerontology Research Group (GRG), based in California, which has been tracking the world's oldest validated people since 1997, expressed their condolences upon her passing. The GRG, recognized as an authority in verifying supercentenarians, noted that Lucía's exact age was still pending confirmation.
"At the time of her death, she was the oldest known living person in Cuba," the publication confirmed.
In her biography, it is detailed that Lucía married Eduardo Díaz and had 10 children (six daughters and four sons). At the time of her death, she had 42 grandchildren, 73 great-grandchildren, and 26 great-great-grandchildren.
She became the oldest known living person in Cuba following the death of Pedro Batista Layana, who was 111 years old, on March 7, 2021. In December of that year, Lucía celebrated her 110th birthday, thus becoming a supercentenarian.
Journalist Aguilar Macias noted that Lucía was the daughter of Julio Chacón and Presentación Hechavarria. She experienced firsthand the cruel evictions, as she and her family were expelled from Cortadera, El Valle de Mayarí, Ojo de Agua, and Mícara.
"Her testimonies were crucial in clarifying many events that occurred in the Mayarí region during the early 20th century and even the 19th century. She proudly spoke of her mambí grandparents: Tomás Macías and Onofre Orozco. The latter identified the body of the leader of the 'Independientes de Color,' Evaristo Estenoz, in 1912," he said.
"Recently, she was recognized by specialists as the oldest person in Cuba (including both genders)," Aguilar Macias emphasized.
Lucía Chacón Hechavarría's Legacy and Longevity
To provide more information about Lucía Chacón Hechavarría's remarkable life and the recognition she received, here are some frequently asked questions:
Who was Lucía Chacón Hechavarría?
Lucía Chacón Hechavarría was the oldest person in Cuba, born on December 13, 1911, in El Grillo and passed away at the age of 112 years and 222 days.
What was her family background?
Lucía married Eduardo Díaz and had 10 children. At the time of her death, she had 42 grandchildren, 73 great-grandchildren, and 26 great-great-grandchildren.
What hardships did she face in her early life?
Lucía and her family faced several evictions from places like Cortadera, El Valle de Mayarí, Ojo de Agua, and Mícara, which greatly impacted her early life.
How is Lucía's legacy remembered?
Lucía's testimonies were vital in clarifying historical events in the Mayarí region. She was also proud of her mambí grandparents who played significant roles in Cuban history.