Evangeline Paredes, the oldest known living person in Washington D.C., USA, celebrated her 110th birthday
The Gerontology Research Group (GRG) is pleased to announce that Mrs. Evangeline “Vangie” Paredes (née Abellera), the oldest known living person in Washington D.C., USA, celebrated her 110th birthday on 25 July 2026.
Evangeline Paredes was born as Evangeline Abellera in Brooklyn, New York, on 25 July 1916 (claimed 26 July), to her parents Tomas Rulloda Abellera and Francisca Estrada (who came from Philippines and Spain respectively). She has lived through two world wars, multiple global pandemics and profound technological transformations, witnessing more than a century of history firsthand.
In 1921, at the age of 5, the family moved to Washington D.C., where Evangeline has lived since. Later, in 1941, she married to her husband, Juanito Paredes, who was the nephew of Quentin B. Paredes, who served as Philippine resident commissioner to Washington from 1935 to 1938.
A graduate of George Washington University, Evangeline worked for the Philippine government from 1936 to 1957 before joining the Pentagon, where she served for three decades.
Retirement marked the beginning of another chapter of service. For more than 40 years, she volunteered with AARP, advocating for older adults and serving veterans through the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. She also helped plan and establish the Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center in Washington, D.C.
In July 2025, as Evangeline celebrated her 109th birthday, the mayor of Washington, D.C., Muriel Bowser, praised her legacy, thanking her for ensuring “a seat at the table for those who often go unheard.” she also has long encouraged others to embrace volunteerism and service to their communities.
On 11 March 2026, following the death of 110-year-old Willie Mae Avery, Evangeline became the oldest known living person in Washington D.C.
On 25 July 2026, Evangeline celebrated her 110th birthday and became a supercentenarian.
Evangeline Paredes currently lives in Washington D.C., USA, at the age of 110.
The GRG extends warm congratulations to Mrs. Evangeline Paredes on her 110th birthday.
LINK
1. 110-year-old Fil-Am trailblazer is Washington DC’s oldest resident
2. A Life of Service: How Evangeline Paredes, 110, Discovered the Secret to Living Well
3. PH embassy celebrates 110th birthday of Filipino American and D.C.’s oldest resident
4. Evangeline Paredes at 110: A birthday gift to America