BIOGRAPHY

Redmond was born in Greenwich, London on 20 March 1901 as the third child of Charles and Ada Diana (née Watson) Perry. Her sister Dorothy died as an infant in 1897. Her father was a victualler, and Redmond worked with him as a young adult. Aged 15, she was talent-spotted at a dance recital, but was forbidden by her family from performing on stage.

Redmond married her first husband, Edward Charles Bateman, in 1921 and gave birth to her only daughter, Ellaline Jr., the following year. Her daughter was known by her middle name, Daphne. Her husband died in 1934 aged just 34.

Redmond remarried to William D “Bill” Redmond in 1958. Two years prior, she had travelled to Tenerife, and intended to travel through Africa with her second husband, but they never went due to her husband’s death aged 64. His wedding present to Redmond was a yacht.

In her late 60s, Redmond moved to Bournemouth, Dorset, England after living for many years in a mansion near Buckingham Palace. She moved into a nursing home at the age of 102, and enjoyed a small glass of Courvoisier daily as a centenarian.

Redmond’s daughter, Daphne Snowden, died in 2008 shortly before her 86th birthday. Redmond herself died on 27 February 2013 at the age of 111 years, 344 days. She was survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Redmond’s age was verified by Melissa Page and validated by the GRG on 22 August 2011.

ATTRIBUTION

GALLERY