Last survivor of 19th century, dies at 117

Verbania, April 16: Emma Morano, the world's oldest person believed to be the last survivor of the 19th century, died on Saturday at the age of 117.

Morano, born on November 29, 1899, passed away peacefully at while sitting in an armchair at her home in Verbania, near Italy's Lake Maggiore.

Dr. Carlo Bava, Morano's doctor, said he had last seen her on Friday when 'she thanked me and held my hand' as she did every time he called on her.

He added: 'She didn't suffer. I'm happy she didn't suffer but passed away that way, tranquility.'