BIOGRAPHY

Nicholl was born in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK, on 3 July 1909, to parents John and Jane Nicholl. She had a brother, Joe. The two siblings grew up in a large Victorian house, surrounded by gardens and orchards. They also had several Great Danes, all of whom were named ‘Bruce.’ Her father had a passion for growing vegetables, and their garden was always abundant, ensuring the family never went without. As a child, she attended Sunday School. Growing up in what was then the countryside, she loved taking long walks, enjoying the fresh air. She described herself as a good student, where she first learned to read. She later developed a love for reading all kinds of books and even wrote poetry. She left school at 16 and worked for a time in Ballymena for a manufacturing company. However, after her mother’s death, she had to return home to care for her father and brother. She never married nor had children. In the early 1970s, she relocated to the Woodgreen area near Ballymena, where she continued to cook, clean, and tend to her garden.

On her 108th birthday, she remarked that she had never experienced any serious illnesses. She recalled visiting the doctor only once, when she needed an antibiotic, and that was the extent of her medical treatment. At 109, she remained an active member of Wellington Presbyterian Church, where she had been a lifelong member. A passionate gardener, she was still living at home with the support of local care services. One of her neighbors described her as a very independent woman with a great sense of humor, and a love for her cups of tea. In December 2018, at 109, she moved to Glenkeen House care home in Randalstown.

When asked about the secret to her long life, she replied, “I don’t know. I was always quite happy and never worried too much.” When asked for her advice on longevity, she simply said, “Do your best every day and trust in God.”

Maud Nicholl passed away in Randalstown, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on 19 September 2019, at the age of 110 years, 78 days.

RECOGNITION

Following the passing of 109-year-old Ellen (Ellie) Lawther (6 March 1909 – 16 June 2018) of Belfast, she became the oldest living person in Northern Ireland.

In July 2019, she celebrated her 110th birthday, becoming the third documented supercentenarian in Northern Ireland, following Florence Lyle (1887–1998) and Elizabeth Yensen (1895–2005), and the first in 13 years. Of the three, Nicholl was also the only one to be both born and to have passed away in Northern Ireland.

Her age was verified by Dr. Andrew Holmes, and validated by the ESO on 22 September 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* European Supercentenarian Organisation (ESO)

* “‘I’ve only gone to see the doctor once in my life’ – Irish woman celebrates 108th birthday” – Irish Independent, 4 July 2017

* “Northern Ireland’s oldest woman Maud (109) reveals secret of long life” – Belfast Telegraph, 4 July 2018

* “Mighty Maud celebrates 109th birthday in style” – Ballymena Guardian, 11 July 2018

* “IRELAND’S oldest woman has passed away at the age of 110” – The Irish Post, 20 September 2019

GALLERY