The woman believed to be the nation’s oldest known U.S. military veteran has died just a month after she visited President Barack Obama at the White House.
Emma Didlake passed away Sunday after a sudden illness. She was 110-years-old.
Didlake was 38 when she joined the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps during World War II.
She served stateside for about seven months during the war as a private and driver.
In July, she visited Washington D.C. with help from the Honor Flight Network.
President Obama released a statement Monday that read:
“Emma Didlake served her country with distinction and honor, a true trailblazer for generations of Americans who have sacrificed so much for their country. I was humbled and grateful to welcome Emma to the White House last month, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to Emma’s family, friends, and everyone she inspired over her long and quintessentially American life.”
Didlake's granddaughter, Marilyn Horne, told the San Antonio Express-News that the World War II veteran fell ill Sunday morning and died after complaining she was feeling tired.
"It was a month ago today that we went to the White House," Horne told the media outlet. "I think she felt she had accomplished everything and could take her rest."
CNN Wire contributed to this report.
