Elsie Johnston

BIOGRAPHY

Elsie Johnston was born in Merced, California, on 11 February 1909. She worked in a telephone office as a switchboard operator and later as a floor supervisor at a packing company in Sanger.

In 1928, she married her husband, Victor. During the Great Depression, times were tough, and money was scarce, even for basic necessities like food. To make ends meet, her husband found a place where black walnuts had fallen to the ground and gathered them. These walnuts became an essential source of protein for the couple. The pair had one daughter, Donna Babcock, who passed away from cancer at the age of 40. A month before their 75th wedding anniversary, her husband passed away.

When asked about the secret to her longevity, she said: “Exercise, eat right, and take vitamins.”

Elsie Johnston passed away in Fresno, California, on 27 April 2019, at the age of 110 years, 75 days. She was survived by her granddaughter, two great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Fresno woman is turning 110 in February” – KMPH, 14 January 2019

* Elsie “Alma” Johnston – Mid Valley Times, 1 May 2019

GALLERY

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