On her last birthday, March 26th, Maria Laconi had greeted the greetings with disbelief. She, too, was surprised at her 106 years. She passed away today in her home on Via Milano. She was the longest-lived woman in Ogliastra.
A woman of deep religious faith, she was devoted to Saint Anthony of Padua and Padre Pio. She recited her prayers every day and enjoyed walks in Sant'Antonio, an area so dear to the community that, in June, they celebrate their patron saint there. Until she was 103, her health allowed her to take long walks, after which her habits changed, and she would drive to Sant'Antonio with her children.
In the past, grandmother Maria had divided her time between caring for her family and working in the fields of Quirra with her husband Luigi Piroddi, a former miner and soldier, who passed away 35 years ago.
"She was a symbol of strength, fortitude, wisdom, memory, and kindness," said Jerzu Mayor Carlo Lai. "With her," added the Vice President of the Province of Ogliastra, "a piece of our town's history is lost, a precious witness to over a century of life built on simple and authentic values, and on love for her family."
