Ethel Caterham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ethel Caterham
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| Born |
Ethel May Collins
21 August 1909 (age 115 years, 329 days) Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, England
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| Known for |
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| Spouse(s) |
Norman Caterham
(m. 1933; died 1976) |
| Children | 2 |
Ethel May Caterham (born Collins) is an amazing British woman. She was born on August 21, 1909. At her current age, she is known as the world's oldest living person. She has held this title since April 30, 2025. Ethel is also the oldest British person ever recorded.
Contents
Ethel Caterham's Early Life and Family
Ethel May Caterham was born in a place called Shipton Bellinger in Hampshire, England. This was on August 21, 1909. She was the second youngest of eight children. She grew up in Tidworth, Wiltshire. Her sister, Gladys, lived to be 104 years old.
When Ethel was 18, in 1927, she traveled to British India. There, she worked as an au pair (someone who helps with childcare and housework for a family). She stayed there until she was 21.
Marriage and Life Abroad
In 1931, Ethel returned to England. She met Norman Caterham (who lived from 1905 to 1976) at a dinner party. They later got married at Salisbury Cathedral. Norman had been a choirboy there when he was younger.
Norman became a lieutenant colonel in the army. Ethel and Norman lived in Harnham, Salisbury. They also lived in places like Hong Kong and Gibraltar because of Norman's job.
While in Hong Kong, Ethel started a nursery school. She taught English, crafts, and games to young children. In Gibraltar, the couple had two daughters. They raised their daughters back in England. Norman passed away in 1976.
Later Years and Hobbies
Ethel Caterham was very active. She drove a car until she was 97 years old! Even in her 100s, she enjoyed playing contract bridge, which is a card game.
Both of Ethel's daughters passed away before her. She lived in an extension of her second daughter Anne's home. After Anne died in February 2020, Ethel moved into a care home. She first lived in Ash Vale, Surrey, and then later in Lightwater.
Health and Longevity Secrets
Ethel Caterham is known for her amazing health. In 2020, when she was 110 years old, she survived COVID-19.
Just before her 111th birthday, Ethel and her granddaughter were interviewed. This was for BBC Radio Surrey. When asked about her secret to living so long, Ethel said it was "taking everything in my stride, the highs and the lows." This means she tried to stay calm through good times and bad times.
On her 111th birthday in August 2020, the mayor of Surrey Heath visited Ethel. She had been the oldest person living in Surrey since January 2019.
Becoming the Oldest British Person
On January 22, 2022, Ethel became the oldest living person in the United Kingdom. This happened after Mary "Mollie" Walker passed away.
On October 7 of the same year, Ethel became the last living British person born during the time of King Edward VII. This was a very special milestone.
In August 2024, Ethel turned 115 years old. She became only the third British person ever to reach this age. The last person to do so was Annie Jennings in 1999.
Ethel Caterham is currently the oldest living person in the world. She is also the very last person alive who was born in the 1900s decade.
See also
In Spanish: Ethel Caterham para niños
