Hedwig Zaugg, the oldest living person in Switzerland, celebrated her 111th birthday

The Gerontology Research Group (GRG) is pleased to announce that Mrs. Hedwig Zaugg, the oldest living person in Switzerland, has celebrated her 111th birthday on 17 May 2026 in Huttwil, Canton of Bern.

Hedwig Zaugg was born in Walterswil, Canton of Bern, Switzerland, on 17 May 1915.

In 1941, at the age of 26, Hedwig married Andreas Zaugg. They welcomed their first daughter, Marianne, in 1944, followed by their second daughter, Katharina, in 1949. That same year, Andreas gave Hedwig a sewing and knitting machine to use at home. Also in 1949, the couple took over the stamping mill previously run by Hedwig’s father. Her husband died in 1992.

For Hedwig’s 80th birthday, she received a new bicycle. However, as she grew older, cycling became a bit too risky. When she no longer had a bike, she occasionally hitchhiked. She was also an avid gardener – tending to her garden with dedication for more than 100 years.

In October 2020, Hedwig moved into a senior citizens’ home in Huttwil.

Hedwig celebrated her 110th birthday on 17 May 2025 and became a supercentenarian.

On 20 October 2025, following the death of 110-year-old Francine Grandjean of Vaud, Hedwig became the oldest living person in Switzerland.

Hedwig Zaugg currently lives in Huttwil, Canton of Bern, Switzerland, at the age of 111. At that time, she remained in good spirits.

Happy 111th birthday to Mrs Zaugg! We wish her good health and a long life!

LINK
1. Âgée de 111 ans, la Bernoise Hedwig Zaugg est la doyenne de Suisse
2. Mit 111 Jahren ist «Stampfi-Hedi» sogar noch etwas älter als ihre Vorgängerin (paid version)