Europe’s oldest person, French nun Sister Andre, survived COVID-19 and celebrates her 117th birthday this week. Buzz 60’s Johanna Restrepo has more.
Thelma Sutcliffe, America’s oldest living person, is quietly celebrating her 115th birthday on Friday.
And that’s what she wants.
Omaha’s Thelma Sutcliffe, the oldest American, will celebrate her 115th birthday on Friday. Sutcliffe, shown Thursday, was born in Benson before becoming part of Omaha.
Photo courtesy of Brighton Gardens
Sutcliffe, who was born on October 1, 1906, doesn’t like being bullied by anyone. She’ll wake up at 5 a.m. as usual, with the help of staff members at Brighton Gardens near 93rd Street and Western Avenue, in one of her many colorful costumes.
Charlotte Higgins, illustration by The World-Herald
“She pays attention to her appearance,” said a longtime friend, Luella “Lou” Mason of Omaha. “No one is sitting on the bed. Thelma wants to be dressed every day – very particular about her looks. “
His birthday party will only be attended by staff at Brighton Gardens as the facility is on lockdown due to positive COVID-19 tests. Barring any further setbacks, Mason will be able to see her friend again on October 9.
Sutcliffe was born in Benson, Nebraska (before becoming part of Omaha) to August and Maude (née Adams) Liche, who owned a farm. At the age of 17, she married Bill Sutcliffe, who worked for the US Postal Service.
Thelma Sutcliffe, the oldest living person in the United States, was born on October 1, 1906. This is a photo of Thelma as a young woman, possibly her engagement photo, according to her friend Luella “Lou” Mason.
He loved golf, and the couple enjoyed traveling, Mason said. Sutcliffe described their wedding day as the happiest day of her life, Mason said, adding that her husband was “her best friend”.
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