TOKYO — Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman born before the start of World War I and the sinking of the Titanic and who was believed to be the oldest person in the world, died at a nursing home in Ashiya, Japan. She was 116.

In a statement released Saturday, Ashiya Mayor Ryosuke Takashima said Itooka died last Sunday. He did not give a cause, but local news media reports said she died peacefully of complications related to old age.

“I offer my deepest condolences,” Takashima said. “Ms. Itooka gave us great courage and hope throughout her long life. I would like to express my gratitude once again.”

Itooka was declared the oldest living person by Guinness World Records in September after the death of Maria Branyas Morera of Spain at age 117.

Itooka was born Tomiko Yano on May 23, 1908, in the city of Osaka, one of three children.

Itooka is survived by one daughter, one son and an unknown number of her five grandchildren.

— The New York Times