BIOGRAPHY

Ames was born in Montpelier, Vermont on 17 March 1911. She grew up on Barnes Hill, located in nearby Waterbury. She and her family were survivors of the Spanish flu pandemic. As a child, she enjoyed spending time outdoors and attending family get-togethers involving music and dancing.

Ames attended Waterbury High School and Montpelier Seminary; upon graduating with a degree in teaching at Lyndon State, she went on to work in the profession for many years. She met her husband of 70 years, Darrel Ames, while working as a teacher.

For 40 years, the couple lived in Springfield, Massachusetts. Ames returned to Waterbury in the 1970s to care for her ailing mother, with her husband joining her shortly thereafter. Throughout their marriage, one of their lifelong passions was snowmobiling, which they continued to partake in until their 90s. Ames was widowed in 2008.

Until the age of 110, Ames lived in her childhood home. Around two months before her death, she moved into a nearby care home. Her hobbies included reverse painting in mirrors, as well as sewing and knitting.

Ames died on 22 October 2021 at the age of 110 years, 219 days.

RECOGNITION

It is currently unclear when Ames became Vermont’s oldest resident, but she was nevertheless the oldest person in the state whose age has been validated. Following her death, the title passed to 110-year-old Bill James, who himself died two days later.

Ames’ age was verified by Stefan Maglov and validated by LongeviQuest on 24 May 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

GALLERY