BIOGRAPHY

French was born in Moreton’s Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, on 8 July 1882, to parents William James Brett (1847–1930) and Mary Ann Forward (1853–1935). She had four siblings: Ambrose William Brett (1873–1951), Nora Moore (1878–1985), Willis John Brett (1884–1974), and Flossie Brett (1890–1904).

In 1912, she married Harry Edward French (1880–1964). The couple had at least three children: Marjorie Jean Eastman (1913–1962), Raymond James French (1914–1999), and Elsie Florence French Coish (1922–2018).

Her older sister, Nora Moore, passed away in New Jersey, USA, in February 1985, aged 106.

French passed away in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, on 17 September 1992, at the age of 110 years, 71 days.

RECOGNITION

French is the first known supercentenarian on record to have been born and died in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. To this day, she remains the only known supercentenarian who passed away in the Province.

ATTRIBUTION

* “BESSIE JANE BRETT” – Geneanet

* Bessie Jane Brett French – Find A Grave

* Report at 109 – unknown newspaper, c.1991

GALLERY