Karen Jespersen
- Full name: Karen Marie Jespersen
- Lifespan: (05.05.1889 – 04.08.2000)
- Age: 111 years, 91 days
- Birthplace: Torrild, Odder Municipality Municipality, Midtjylland, Denmark
- Last residence: Åbyhøj, Århus Municipality, Midtjylland, Denmark
- Application date: 14.01.2006
- Validation date: 12.02.2008
- Validation source: Bernard Jeune/Waclaw Jan Kroczek
Biography
Karen Marie Jespersen was born as Karen Marie Ryberg on 5 May 1889 in Torrild located near Odder south of Aarhus. She married in 1914 when she was in her mid 20s. The couple then settled in Aarhus with their son. Karen was widowed in 1969 and lived in her own home until she was 110, when she moved to Aabygaard Nursing Home in Aabyhoj.
Following the death of 109-year old Kristiane Hasager of Aarhus (Midtjylland), Karen Jespersen became the oldest living person (Doyenne) in Denmark.
Karen Jespersen died in Aabyhoj, Aarhus, Denmark on 4 August 2000 at the age of 111 years, 91 days, just 24 days short of surpassing Anne Matthiesen, who was the longevity recordholder of Denmark.
Longevity recognition
- Doyenne of Denmark (11.06.1998 – 04.08.2000)
Validation
The supercentenarian case of Karen Jespersen was meticulously examined and verified using modern scientific age validation criteria by Bernard Jeune of University of Southern Denmark, and validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) on 12 February 2008. Later research was conducted by Wacław Jan Kroczek, GRG Correspondent for Poland and Nordic Countries.
