Soledad-Mexia-Obituary

Soledad Mexia

Obituary

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The oldest person born in Mexico, who also was California's oldest resident, has died in a hospice in Chula Vista, just 17 days after celebrating her 114th birthday.

Soledad Mexia (mah-HEE'-ah') died Friday at the Silverado Senior Living Hospice, said Dr. Stephen Coles of the Gerontology Research Group at the University of California Los Angeles.

Mexia was born in Mexico but moved to the United States when she was very young and become an American citizen, Coles said.

Her granddaughter, Rosalia Ferreira of San Diego, said Mexia loved to sleep.

"She would go to bed at 9 or 10 and not wake until 12 or 1 the next day," Ferreira said.

"Even when she was younger and alert, she always loved to sleep."

Mexia was a housewife most of her life, never working outside the home.

She didn't follow any special diet.

"But there was no junk food, I'll tell you that," Ferreira said. "It may have helped her keep her health."

Mexia had "no health issues whatsoever," she added. "She never took one pill for anything."

In addition, Ferreira said, her grandmother had a "very positive outlook on life."

"I never saw her with a bad attitude. She was always happy to be with her family," Ferreira said. "She loved to sing. That was my grandma."

The Gerontology Research Group is an organization of physicians, scientists and engineers who validate supercentenarians, people 110 or older.

The world's oldest person, Misao Okawa of Japan, is 115, Coles said.

The next three oldest people are from Michigan, New York and Massachusetts. They are all 114, Coles said. Mexia was the fifth-oldest person on the planet when she died.

The distinction of oldest California resident now goes to Opal Thompson, who is 112.

Online:

Gerontology Research Group, www.grg.org

SUE MANNING, Associated Press


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

It is truly a blessing for your mother to live to that age. It really show us what the Bible says about living forever on earth (Ps. 37:29)

Rest In Peace Soledad

It is truly a beautiful thing to enjoy life that long. But, it is always sad when it is cut short because of our first parents Adam and Eve. (Rom 5:12) But, our Creator hold out a promise of everlasting life in view. (John 17:3)

Recently saw posting on Facebook celebrating 114th. WOW what a blessing for her & her family, deepest sympathy & may she RIP. Amen.

Remembering your mother and grandmother's love can sustain you in these times. Mother's are precious in God's eyes Ps. 116:15

May the lord bless you

God has gained his precious Angel... God has blessed the family she leaves behind... Feel grateful, feel alive, and know that she is in her glory. God Bless the family!!

Lo siento por su gran pérdida. Aunque Soledad vivió por muchos años su vida es muy preciosa en los ojos de Dios. Ahora ella está segura en la memoria de Dios.(Rom 6:23