Tomiko Itooka, verified by the Gerontology Research Group as the world’s oldest person, passed away on December 29th at age 116, an Ashiya city official announced Saturday. She died at a care facility in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture.

Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official overseeing senior citizen policies, confirmed the death.

Born on May 23, 1908, Itooka, known for her fondness of bananas and Calpis (a yogurt-flavored Japanese drink), assumed the title of world’s oldest person last year following the passing of 117-year-old Maria Branyas. Her reaction to learning of her ranking was a simple, “Thank you.”

Last year’s birthday celebration included gifts from the mayor: flowers, cake, and a card.

A former high school volleyball player from Osaka, Itooka maintained a vibrant spirit, according to Nagata. She notably climbed Mount Ontake (3,067 meters) twice.

She married at age 20 and had four children—two daughters and two sons, as noted by Guinness World Records.

During World War II, Itooka managed her husband’s textile factory office. After his death in 1979, she lived independently in Nara.

She is survived by a son, a daughter, and five grandchildren. A private family and friends funeral service was held.

The Gerontology Research Group identifies 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born sixteen days after Itooka, as the world’s oldest living person.