BIOGRAPHY

Phyllis Ridgway was born in Folkingham, Lincolnshire, England, UK, on 10 March 1907. She immigrated to Canada in 1923 with her parents and three sisters—Olive, Minnie, and Win. Around 1933, she married Ernest Joseph Ridgway (1904–1987). The couple had a son, Ron.

Phyllis worked for many years at Eaton’s Department Store at Yonge and College before retiring in 1972, just before the opening of the “new” Eaton Centre. She cherished the companionship and support of the many friends she made during her years in East York. A talented painter, Phyllis also had a deep love for dancing and playing the piano.

When asked to share words of wisdom for the younger generation, she reflected on her life, saying that they were content with what they had. They never worried about things beyond their reach and, if they wanted something, they saved for it. On her 113th birthday, she credited her longevity to apple cider vinegar and honey, stating, “Apple cider vinegar and honey—that’s why I’ve lived so long.” On 13 March 2021, just days after her 114th birthday, Ridgway received her COVID-19 vaccine at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Ridgway passed away at Bridgepoint Active Healthcare in Toronto, on 4 June 2021, at the age of 114 years, 86 days. She was survived by her daughter-in-law, Betty, four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

On 17 February 2020, Ridgway became the oldest known living person in Canada, following the passing of 112 year-old Sarah Patenaude-Bruyère. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Cecile Klein.

Her age was validated by the European Supercentenarian Organisation (ESO) on 17 March 2020.

At the time of her passing, she was the fourth-oldest person ever to have lived in Canada, after Marie-Louise Meilleur, Mary Ann Rhodes, and Julie Winnefred Bertrand.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Canada’s oldest recorded person turns 113” – Global News, 10 March 2020

* “Canada’s oldest person dies at 114 years old in Toronto surrounded by family” – Global News, 4 June 2021

* PHYLLIS RIDGWAY Obituary – Toronto Star, 8 June 2021

* Phyllis Ena “Gran” Pickwell Ridgway – Find A Grave

GALLERY