Ruby Druce, the oldest living person in Ireland, passed away in Castlefin, County Donegal on 20 March, at the age of 109 years, 79 days, according to RTE.ie and Highland Radio.
Born on New Year’s Eve in 1915 to George Crawford and Elizabeth McBride, she was the eldest of five children. Tragically, she lost two siblings to the Spanish flu. Leaving school at 14, she worked for more than four decades at Porter’s Shirt Factory in Castlefinn. Later, she left her job to care for her aging father, George, a shoemaker.
In 1956, she married her childhood sweetheart, Jim Druce, whom she had met when she was 14. George, a Scottish-born musician, spent much of his youth in Castlefinn. He passed away in 1970. A devout Christian, she remains dedicated to prayer and the rosary. She attributed her long life to walking, hard work, and a daily cod liver oil capsule.
On 12 August 2024, following the passing of 109-year-old Phyllis Furness, she became the oldest living person in Ireland.
The featured image was taken on her 108th birthday, and sourced from Donegal Daily.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Ruby Druce during this difficult time.
