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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 saw 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, tranquilly.'

Ms Morano attributed her long lifespan to her genetics and her daily diet of eggs and cookies.

She was the last living person in the world who was born in the 19th century.

Morano lived through two world wars, the great depression, 10 pontiffs and 90 separate Italian governments.

She claimed her longevity to the fact that she had eaten two eggs every day since her doctor advised her to do so when she was 20.

She also liked cookies, which she ate everyday.

Emma Morano ferociously clung to her independence and only in 2015, did she finally accept a full-time care-giver.

Friends and family gathered in November to celebrate her 117th birthday. When asked whether she was afraid of death Morano responded: 'No, when it comes it comes.

Morano has been studied by researchers from Harvard Medical School as part of a study into immunity to diseases.

Silvia Marchionini, mayor of the small Italian town of Verbania (pictured), said that Morano 'had an extraordinary life'.

Morano at her small one-bedroom apartment, where she was cared for by her carer-giver and two relatives. Dr Bava remembered Emma as a 'very determined person' .

A woman in Jamaica, Violet Brown, who was born in that Caribbean island on March 10, 1900, is now considered the oldest known person in the world.