BIOGRAPHY

Jordan was born in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia on 15 January 1912. She attended West Ipswich Girls’ School, and remembered her grandparents visiting in a horse-drawn carriage. In 1936, she married Joseph Jordan and they built their first home in Ebbw Vale, a suburb of Ipswich. The couple had two children – Peter and Valerie.

Jordan lost the majority of her wedding photos when her brother’s house was destroyed in a flood. As a centenarian, she enjoyed indoor bowling and still lived independently aged 109, passing the time by knitting for her grandchildren. She entered the Ipswich Show with her crocheted items from the 1960s onwards, eventually having an award named after her.

At the age of 109, Jordan moved to an aged care facility in nearby Brassall. She died on 6 March 2022 at the age of 110 years, 50 days. She was survived by her two children, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Jordan was first noted for her longevity when an article was published in The Courier Mail in 2012, when she was 100. Her 103rd birthday was reported when she flew to Melbourne to visit family, and became the oldest passenger of the airline Jetstar.

Jordan’s 107th birthday was noted with a short biography, and she was recognised by Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding on her 109th birthday. Several articles were made on her 110th birthday and after her death.

ATTRIBUTION

* “107 years young: My memories of Ipswich” – Ipswich First, 28 June 2019

* “Farewell Mrs Elizabeth Jordan” – Simplex Elevators, 21 March 2022

GALLERY