BIOGRAPHY

Annie Stroud was born in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, England, on 13 October 1905. After attending St. Mary’s Primary School, she trained as a silver service waitress.

She met her husband, Jack, while he was stationed with the Army at Catterick. At the time, she was working at the village’s Bridge Hotel, and was later sent to serve at the barracks. The couple married in Stockton in 1930. Annie and Jack, who passed away in 1975, raised three children—Ann, Marjorie, and Ronnie. After retiring from the Army, Jack worked as a motor mechanic for the North Ormesby-based company TMT, while Annie dedicated herself to caring for their children. During World War II, she contributed to the war effort by knitting socks for soldiers.

At the age of 96, she made headlines when she rode the 235-foot-high Pepsi Max Big One rollercoaster in Blackpool, reaching speeds of up to 87 mph.

Stroud continued working until the age of 98, employed at The Beauty Clinic on Baker Street in Middlesbrough. Even after retiring, she remained active—regularly helping others with cleaning and shopping. She continued baking until the age of 100. Stroud lived independently at her home in Brambles Farm until she was 105, after which she moved into Nunthorpe Hall retirement home in Middlesbrough, where she spent the remainder of her life.

Annie Stroud passed away in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, England, on 3 July 2016, at the age of 110 years, 264 days.

RECOGNITION

Following the passing of 107-year-old Leonard Rayner Hodder (26 July 1905 – 4 May 2013) of Easingwold, she became the oldest known living person in North Yorkshire. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Nellie Wright (17 April 1907 – 29 December 2016) of Scarborough.

Her age was validated by the European Supercentenarian Organisation (ESO) on 6 February 2022.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Annie Stroud – thought to be the North-east’s oldest person – set to celebrate 109th birthday” – Gazette Live, 12 October 2014

* “The North-east’s oldest person Annie Stroud celebrates her 110th birthday” – Gazette Live, 13 October 2015

* “Farewell to Annie – the Teesside girl who packed so much into her 110 years” – Gazette Live, 6 July 2016

GALLERY