BIOGRAPHY

Irene Easton was born in Canning Town, London, England, on 15 October 1908, to parents John Alexander “Alex” Wood (1888–1964) and Florence Chiswick (1890–1980). She was an only child, and her family moved to Lethbridge, Alberta, in 1911 to join relatives who had already settled in the area. Her father initially worked as a courthouse clerk, but when the job was relocated to Calgary, the family chose to stay in Lethbridge. He then began developing and printing photographs for the local drugstores. As Irene grew older, she helped her father by collecting film from the stores twice a day and delivering it to him for processing.

In her 20s, Irene eloped with her fiancé, John Easton Jr. (1909–1998), in 1932, traveling to Calgary for the wedding. John was an immigrant from Broxburn, Scotland. Their marriage was met with some resistance, as neither set of parents approved of the union. Shortly before their marriage, John secured a job in Cranbrook, where the couple moved and lived for a few years. Nearly 12 years after their wedding, they welcomed a daughter, Lynne Davis.

After spending a few years in Cranbrook, the couple returned to Lethbridge, where John worked as a mechanic while Irene focused on raising their only child. Irene was deeply involved in her community—she volunteered as a pianist at several local nursing homes, became a prominent member of the local Anglican Church, led a five-pin bowling league, and participated in the IODE (Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire), a Canadian charitable organization. She and her husband also enjoyed square dancing together.

At the age of 87, Irene underwent a hip replacement and moved into Heritage Lodge, where she lived for the next nine years. Despite the change, she remained devoted to her husband, visiting him regularly at the Edith Cavell Centre. She would often play piano to soothe him when he became agitated. John passed away in July 1998 at the age of 89.

Reflecting on her long life, Irene attributed it to staying active, enjoying life, and having good genetics, without claiming any particular secret to her longevity.

Irene Easton passed away in Lethbridge, Alberta, on 31 December 2018, at the age of 110 years, 77 days. She was survived by her daughter, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Easton’s age was verified by Dr. Andrew Holmes and validated by the ESO on 5 September 2020.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Lethbridge senior celebrates 110th birthday” – Lethbridge News Now, 25 October 2018

* Irene Florence “Renee” Wood Easton – Find A Grave

GALLERY