Venancia Villalba, widow of Aquino, celebrated 100 years of life on May 18, 2026. Born in the San José Itá Morotí settlement in Santa Rosa Misiones, she maintains an active and healthy routine based on traditional food and strict rest.
The centenarian wakes up early, around 6 a.m., and starts the day with milk, honey, and cinnamon, followed by mate. For breakfast, she prefers cocido with milk or a boiled egg. For lunch, she chooses typical dishes such as stews, beans, locro, rora, and vori vori. Dinner is light, limited to tea or cocido. Those who know her attribute her longevity and lucidity to this natural diet and the habit of not staying up late.
Although she had no biological children with her late husband, Juan Antonio Aquino (who died in 1999), Venancia took in and educated several nephews who migrated from the countryside to study in Santa Rosa. “She always gave us shelter and support for our studies. For me, it is a pride to share with her; 100 years is a treasure for the entire Villalba generation,” said her nephew Ruperto Villalba.
One of the last to be raised by her was Mirta Zalazar, who, inspired by her aunt’s example, became a teacher. “She helped me achieve that. She is a very fun person, we always joke around, but above all she is a kind being,” highlighted Mirta, who has cared for Venancia for 32 years.
Venancia became a primary school teacher after age 30 and dedicated herself to rural literacy. In times of poor roads, she traveled long distances on foot or horseback to teach in the San Rafael settlements and surrounding areas.