Lorna Henstridge, the oldest living woman in Australia, and the nation’s second-oldest resident, passed away today in Bordertown, South Australia, at the age of 112 years, 93 days.
Lorna Henstridge was born in Adelaide, South Australia, on 6 June 1914, as one of three siblings. She grew up on her parents’ farm near Bute and later moved to Adelaide for schooling. When she started school, her father would ride with her on horseback to the train station, where she would then catch the train to school. Later, she moved to Adelaide to live with her grandmother, attending Unley School and then St Peter’s Girls’ School.
During World War II, she met her husband while working at a library for soldiers, and they married in January 1945. The couple had three children: Jennie, Carolyn, and David, and lived in Victor Harbor and Keith, where they ran a menswear store and enjoyed golf.
On 18 May 2024, shortly before her 110th birthday, she became the oldest known living woman in Australia, following the passing of Marija Ruljančić. At the time of her passing, Henstridge was the second-oldest person in Australia, following Ken Weeks of New South Wales.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Lorna Henstridge during this difficult time.
