Jocelyne Wildenstein, famously known as the "Catwoman," has passed away at the age of 79 on December 31, 2024, at a prestigious hotel in Paris. Known for her extensive plastic surgeries aimed at resembling a feline, Wildenstein's life was marked by her tumultuous relationship with her ex-husband Alec Wildenstein, a wealthy French art dealer. Her death was announced by her partner, Lloyd Klein, who described the event as the passing of "an icon".
Wildenstein was born Jocelyne Périsset and became prominent after she began undergoing numerous cosmetic procedures from the 1980s onward, primarily to please her husband, who had a deep fascination with cats. The couple married in 1978 and had two children, Diane and Alec, before divorcing in 1999. Her fortune, primarily derived from her ex-husband's estate, allowed her to maintain her lavish lifestyle until the money began to dwindle. Reports indicated she had been living on $111,000 monthly alimony until 2015, following her financial decline.
Despite the financial challenges she faced, Wildenstein remained active on social media, engaging with her 1.1 million followers on Instagram. Her death was due to pulmonary embolism, which underscored the health risks often associated with her lifestyle choices.
Just days before Wildenstein's passing, another noteworthy life came to a close: Tomiko Itooka, recognized as the world's oldest woman, died at 116 years old on December 29, 2024. The mayor of Ashiya, Japan, where she lived, expressed gratitude for her long life, stating, "She gave us courage and hope." Itooka, who was born on May 23, 1908, led a life filled with remarkable experiences, having lived through countless historical events, including wars and technological revolutions.
Itooka had four children and five grandchildren and spent her later years residing at a nursing home. Her favorite foods included bananas and Calpis, highlighting her preference for simple comforts amid her remarkable longevity. Her death followed the passing of Maria Branyas Morera, who died at 117, making Itooka the new titleholder for the world's oldest person.
Japan is currently experiencing demographic challenges, marked by increasing numbers of elderly citizens and declining birth rates. The nation has over 95,000 centenarians, with women constituting 88% of this population. Nearly one-third of Japan's 124 million inhabitants are aged 65 and older, reflecting significant social and economic adjustments needed to cater to this growing demographic.
Both Wildenstein and Itooka's deaths resonate for different reasons. Wildenstein's dramatic life and personal choices stirred media attention and public fascination with beauty standards and the lengths individuals will go to achieve them. On the other hand, Itooka's life symbolizes resilience, wisdom, and the realities of aging, captivating many with her story and contributing to discussions about the value placed on longevity.
The juxtaposition of these two lives—a glamorous yet tragic narrative alongside one of quiet endurance—illustrates the multifaceted nature of existence itself. Both women, through their lives and their deaths, remind the world of the diverse experiences of womanhood and, fundamentally, the inevitability of life's end.