Have you ever heard of a super-centarian? It’s a title belonging to people who have attained the age of at least 110 years, and a northern Ontario woman easily cracks the age limit.
Canada’s oldest person celebrated her 112th birthday in North Bay. Ellen ‘Dolly’ Gibb enjoyed a private birthday celebration on Wednesday with close relatives.
“I don’t know if she was too willing to take the honour right away, but I think she enjoys the honour right now,” said Dave Crozier, Gibb's grandson.
Gibb moved to North Bay 12 years ago. She lives in the city with her daughter; with the help of caregivers, family and friends.
She grew up on a farm in Winnipeg before Alberta and Saskatchewan were even provinces.
Her family said that as a teenager she worked at Eaton's and she remembers the excitement when the first escalator was installed at the store.
Crozier told CTV his grandmother is very kind and she’s known for her fashion sense. Gibb wore dresses and skirts until she was 100 years-old.
“She is always very well put together,” he said.
“She never wore pants until she was into her hundreds. She was the one who would be wearing the dress and the pearls, while she was vacuuming in her high heels.”
Gibb said she’s very happy with her life. She doesn’t suffer from dementia, but she does have trouble hearing.
Crozier said he believes his grandmother has lived a long life because of her daily habits. He said she enjoys Wheel of Fortune and a daily beer.
“She just lives life and doesn’t worry too much about the medical advice,” he said.
