BIOGRAPHY

Wooding was born in Staverton, Northamptonshire, England, UK, on 6 September 1911. She grew up in a farming family with two brothers and a sister: Laurence, John, and Jane. Her father was a farmer, and they lived a very healthy life with plenty of homegrown food. On the farm, they had their own pigs, hens, and a large garden. She trained as a Norland Nanny in London and worked as such for a number of years.

After marrying her husband Leslie Scott Wooding in 1946, they worked together at their overall manufacturing business in Northampton, where Joyce managed the shop for many years. Leslie, originally a motor engineer, was drafted into the Army in 1917 before being transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, where he flew missions over London and France toward the end of World War I. During their marriage, they moved to Wootton and became active members of the local community. Her husband passed away in 1983.

In April 2018, at the age of 106, she moved into Collingtree Park Care Home in Windingbrook Lane, Northampton. Wooding celebrated her 110th birthday in September 2021, receiving well-wishes from loved ones and a special telegram from the Queen. She attributed her longevity to home-cooked meals and fresh produce, having grown up on a farm where her mother prepared all the meals from scratch.

Joyce Wooding passed away in Northampton, Northamptonshire, England, UK on 9 January 2022 at the age of 110 years, 125 days.

RECOGNITION

Following the passing of Daisy Bettles (20 August 1911 – 26 June 2020) of Raunds, she became the oldest (known) living person in Northamptonshire.

Her age was verified by Dr. Andrew Holmes, and validated by the ESO on 30 April 2022.

ATTRIBUTION

* “‘Remarkable’ Northampton woman ‘adored by all’ reveals secret to a long life after turning 109” – Northampton Chronicle and Echo, 7 September 2020

* “Northamptonshire’s oldest resident, 109-year-old Joyce, receives Covid-19 vaccine” – Northampton Chronicle and Echo, 8 February 2021

* “Northamptonshire woman believed to be one of the oldest people in the UK celebrates landmark 110th birthday” – Northampton Chronicle and Echo, 8 September 2021

* “Northamptonshire woman, 110, shares her secret to a long life” – BBC, 25 September 2021

GALLERY