Angelina Torres Vallbona Passes Away: Spain's Oldest Resident and Centenarian Who Lived Through Two World Wars
Angelina Torres Vallbona Passes Away: Spain's Oldest Resident and Centenarian Who Lived Through Two World Wars
Barcelona, November 12, 2025 — Angelina Torres Vallbona, recognized as Spain’s oldest woman, has died in Catalonia at the age of 112 years and nearly 8 months. She passed away in her 113th year. Her family informed EFE of her death. Born on March 18, 1913, in the small town of BellvĂs in the province of Lleida, Angelina moved to Barcelona at an early age and lived just steps from the iconic Sagrada FamĂlia basilica. She witnessed its construction since the 1920s, when she was still a child, and saw the transformation of a modest port city into a modern metropolis.
Angelina lived through two world wars, the Spanish Civil War, and even the 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic. She worked as a seamstress in factories and tailoring workshops, married Josep MartĂ, and gave birth to their daughter Mercè in 1942. She is survived by two grandchildren, Gemma and Xavi, and three great-grandchildren: Pol, Marc, and Mar Joana. Her husband passed away around 50 years ago. Family members noted that longevity may run in the family: her mother lived almost to 100, and her eldest sister reached 93. Angelina was the fifth of seven siblings.
In spring 2025, while celebrating her 112th birthday, Angelina gave an interview expressing genuine wonder about her long life. "Why am I so old? Why did this happen to me?" she reflected. "I would like to know why I’ve lived this long." She emphasized that she never suffered serious illnesses: "Thank God, I’ve never truly been sick. Doctors hardly ever had to deal with me—only colds, which I treated with aspirin." Her secret was simple: daily walks, laughter with family, lemon water with sugar for breakfast, and her favorite ice cream. "We must help each other with full hands, never empty," she said, recalling words remembered by the President of Catalonia.
The President of the Government of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, expressed condolences to the family. On social network X, he wrote: "I had the privilege of meeting Angelina Torres last year. She was a wise woman, full of faith and kindness, very hardworking and with immense inner strength. I will always remember her words, which deeply touched me: 'We must help each other with full hands, never empty.' As I promised her, so it will be." Mònica MartĂnez Bravo, Minister of Social Rights and Inclusion, also highlighted the "privilege" of knowing Angelina, praising her "vitality, experience, and wisdom."
Following Angelina’s passing, 111-year-old Carme Noguera Falguera becomes Spain’s oldest living resident. Angelina had held the top position among Spain’s longest-living individuals since January 2025, following the deaths of MarĂa Branyas Morera at 117 and Piedad Loriente PĂ©rez at 113.
Spain’s Longevity: Statistics and Trends
Spain ranks among the global leaders in life expectancy (averaging about 84 years in 2025, second only to Japan). According to Spain’s National Institute of Statistics (INE) data from mid-2024, the country counted 16,902 people over the age of 100—a 76% increase compared to a decade earlier. Of these, 13,919 were women (about 82%) and 2,983 were men. In Catalonia, as of July 1, 2025, there are 3,051 centenarians, including 2,549 women (83.4%) and only 502 men.
Projections for 2066 estimate over 220,000 centenarians (100+) in Spain—13 times more than the current figure (UN/INE estimates).
Experts such as Juan MartĂn, director of the International Center on Aging, emphasize not only quantity but also quality of life among Spanish centenarians: many remain active and independent. Key factors include the Mediterranean diet, strong social ties, and genetics. However, challenges remain: the growing elderly population (20.4% of residents over 65) calls for stronger care systems.
Angelina Torres Vallbona leaves behind not only a longevity record but also a legacy of a humble, meaningful life. May her passing remind us of the value of every day. Our sincere condolences go out to her family and loved ones.