BIOGRAPHY

McClements was born in Stillwater, New York, USA, on 7 May 1909, to parents Herbert Cossey (1888–1964) and Cecelia Cunningham (1887–1953). She had four siblings: Helen, Leila, William and Francis, all of whom she survived. In her youth, she worked at the Ballston Knitting Mill in Stillwater, a manufacturer of socks. Later on, she found employment as a maid at Leonard Hospital.

In 1928, she married Robert L McClements (1906–1987). The couple had eight children: Joan Ronda, Robert McClements, Carolyn DiCerce, Mary Alice Doughty, J. Edward McClements, Gary McClements, Deborah Butner, and David McClements. Her husband was a licensed electrician and also held a job with the Boston and Maine Railroad.

As an elderly woman, she used to attend Mass at All Saints on the Hudson in Mechanicville every Sunday until she became unable to do so. However, she continued to receive the Eucharist each week through home visits. At the age of 98, she fell and broke her hip. Initially, a surgeon expressed concerns about operating on someone of her advanced age, citing potential issues with recovery and rehabilitation. However, he later reconsidered his decision due to her good physical condition. As of her 109th birthday, she had 151 descendants. She credited her long life to a lifestyle of “clean living,” which included a diet rich in vegetables and abstaining from both smoking and drinking.

McClements passed away in Stillwater, New York, USA, on 1 February 2020, at the age of 110 years, 270 days. She was survived by all eight of her children, 40 grandchildren, and many more descendants, including great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Fabrizio Villatoro, and validated by LongeviQuest on 28 October 2023.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Stillwater’s Dorothy McClements marks 109th year” – The Daily Gazette, 7 May 2018

* “Mrs Mary Dorothy Cossey McClements” – Find A Grave

* “Dorothy McClements” – Legacy

GALLERY