Western Daily Press (Saturday)
‘Oldest Irish person in the world’ dies aged 111
TRIBUTES have been paid to a woman thought to be the oldest living Irish person in the world after she passed away aged 111.
Margaret Sara Reed died peacefully at Priory Court care home in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset.
She was officially listed as the seventh oldest person in Britain and the oldest Irish person residing in the United Kingdom.
It was also thought she could be the oldest living Irish person.
Home manager at Priory Court, Vicki Clist, said: “Margaret was a much-loved resident and a truly remarkable lady, very independent and an inspiration to us all.
“She will be greatly missed by all the staff team and residents.”
Burnham and Highbridge mayor Cllr Mike Facey said: “What a wonderful age to have lived to. Margaret was a remarkable person and my thoughts go to all those who knew her and Margaret’s family at this time.”
Margaret was born in a village in Northern Ireland in 1910 and was one of nine children in her household.
She later moved to Hampshire during the Second World War to work in a secret role for the Royal Air Force before marrying and settling in Cornwall.
Margaret turned 111 in April, surrounded by staff at her care home who held a tea and cake party.
She put her extraordinary age down to a life of no alcohol and said getting outdoors and belief in God had helped her longevity.
She previously said: “No drinking alcohol, plenty of fresh air, keeping busy and my religious beliefs.”
A mother of one, Margaret used to grow primroses and box them up to be sent to London on the train to be sold at flower markets.