On January 17, 2023, Sister André passed away in southern France at the remarkable age of 118, only a few months shy of her 119th birthday. As the oldest known person on earth, she lived a life that was nothing short of extraordinary. Throughout her many years on this planet, Andre Randon bore witness to a plethora of events that most people only read about in history books. Her long and fascinating journey was filled with an impressive array of experiences, making her a true inspiration for generations to come.
Long, long life

Lucille Randon, who would later become known as Sister Andre, was born on February 11, 1904. Despite her young age, she started working when she was just twelve years old, serving as a governess for a family in Marseilles. Eventually, she transitioned to teaching, spending fourteen years in Versailles before undergoing a spiritual transformation and converting to Catholicism. In 1944, she joined the Sisters of Mercy and adopted the name André, which she would carry with her for the remainder of her life. Her unwavering commitment to her faith and her dedication to serving others made her an inspirational figure to all who knew her.

For nearly twenty years, Sister André devoted her life to serving the less fortunate as a hospital worker in Vichy. She tirelessly worked to aid orphans and elderly individuals who were living alone, and her selfless dedication earned her the respect and admiration of all who knew her. Later on, she was transferred to a hospital in Drom, where she continued to serve until her retirement. Even after reaching the age of 75, the Sister of Mercy never abandoned her mission to help those in need, and she remained an unwavering symbol of hope and compassion until the very end of her days.
Sister André remained committed to her work even as she entered her golden years, and she continued to serve her community until she reached the remarkable age of 100, albeit on a part-time basis. However, as she entered her 105th year of life, health concerns forced her to step away from her ministry and seek care in a nursing home in Toulon. Although she may have been unable to continue her work in the same capacity as before, her unwavering faith and dedication continued to inspire those around her, even in the face of physical limitations.
Landmark historical events

Lucille Randon, known as Sister Andre, lived through a remarkable period of history and bore witness to some of the most significant global events of the past century. As a young girl, she experienced the horrors of the First World War and later, the devastating Spanish flu pandemic that took countless lives. Despite these trials, Sister Andre remained resilient and dedicated to her work, caring for children during the Second World War and assisting wounded soldiers. She once remarked that her life had been defined by war and its aftermath, having seen so much of its effects on the world.

Sister André’s longevity and remarkable life achievements brought her widespread recognition and admiration. She received numerous congratulatory messages and honours from various dignitaries, including French President Emmanuel Macron. At the time of her passing, she had seen 18 different presidents in office, and had outlived more than a dozen popes. She was also officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest living nun in the world.
The secret of Sister Andre’s health and longevity

Despite her advanced age and declining health, Sister André displayed remarkable resilience and strength of spirit. In her final years, she faced significant challenges, including blindness and limited mobility. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, the nun showed remarkable fortitude by surviving the virus without displaying any symptoms. In her own words, she had already lived a full life and was not afraid to face whatever came next. Sister André’s exceptional longevity has been the subject of curiosity for many, with reporters attempting to uncover the secret behind her health and well-being. However, her answer was straightforward and uncomplicated: “My life’s work has been my secret to staying alive,” the nun stated. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to serving others, which gave her purpose and kept her going.

While some may speculate that Sister André’s daily indulgence of a glass of red wine and a cube of dark chocolate contributed to her longevity, the true secret to her long and healthy life was likely her unwavering commitment to serving others. As she once stated, her work was what kept her going, and it was through her service to those in need that she found purpose and meaning. Regardless of the true cause of her longevity, Sister André’s life serves as an inspiration to all who strive to make a positive impact on the world around them.
The passing of Sister Andre has left many who knew her personally deeply saddened, as she had a profound impact on the lives of so many people. Her legacy of compassion and service to others will be remembered for years to come. With the title of oldest living person now passed to Maria Branjas Morera, it is clear that the cycle of life continues on. It is often interesting to consider what drives individuals to dedicate their lives to serving a higher power. In one of our other articles, we explore the story of a man who lived for 82 years without ever seeing a woman, and how his unique circumstances led him to a life of devotion and spirituality.