Oldest American Dies at Age 113

Elsie Thompson was from Pennsylvania

The oldest living person in the U.S. has died at the age of 113, just weeks before her 114th birthday.

Elsie Thompson, who was from Beaver Falls, Pa., became the nation's oldest living person in January.

"She was always happy," her longtime caretaker, Susie Harper, told the Beaver County Times. "She always had a very positive attitude."

She died March 21, according to a spokeswoman from her church in Clearwater, Fla.

A memorial service for Thompson was held at Skycrest United Methodist Church on March 26.

Thompson was born on April 5, 1899.

Her husband, Ronald Thompson, was a Republican state senator in Pennsylvania and in 1971, the couple moved to Clearwater, Fla.

Mr. Thompson died in 1986.

Mrs. Thompson is survived by her son, who is in California, and four grandchildren.

She said that the secret to her longevity was the fact that she loved people and greeted each new day with a smile.

"I know everyone that knew her will have her happy spirit in their hearts forever," Harper said.

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