BIOGRAPHY

Nellie Scace was born on 22 August 1864 in Valatie, New York, USA, but moved to Pittsfield, Massachusetts as a child. Her parents, Eugene and Jennie Eighmey, arrived in the United States from England. In 1915, at the age of 50, she married William Scace (1864-1948). While she never had children of her own, she was close to her husband’s three children from a previous marriage. The couple would remain married for 33 years before William’s death in 1948.

At the time of her 100th birthday, she was living with her step-daughter, and enjoyed meeting with friends and having her hair done, although her vision was reportedly worsening as a result of old age. Despite her age, she still took pride in her appearance, and made an effort to dress stylishly. She was known by her family to be friendly and outgoing.

In 1964, she moved into a Pittsfield nursing home. At the time of her 104th birthday, she enjoyed watching television and birdwatching. On her 110th birthday, she was mostly confined to her bed, but would get up once every few days with assistance. She was still capable of reciting poetry that she had learned as a child. Despite her age, she was in good health, took no medication, and maintained a good appetite.

Nellie Scace died in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA, on 5 December 1974, at the age of 110 years, 105 days.

RECOGNITION

In August 1974, she celebrated her 110th birthday, becoming the first supercentenarian to reside in the U.S. state of Massachusetts.

In October 1976, her final age was surpassed by Bridget Deely, who became the new longevity recordholder for the state of Massachusetts.

Her age was verified by Jimmy Lindberg and I. L. (anonymous), and validated by LongeviQuest on 8 October 2023.

ATTRIBUTION

* Pittsfield Berkshire Eagle, 23 August 1961

* Pittsfield Berkshire Eagle, 23 August 1968

* The Berkshire Eagle, 21 August 1974

* Berkshire Eagle, 6 December 1974

GALLERY

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