Ireland’s ‘oldest person’ dies aged 109

She was born in 1915.

Phyllis Furness died in Galway on Monday evening, after celebrating her 109th birthday in May at Moycullen Nursing Home.

Born Phyllis Olwyn Ryder, she was born in 1915 in Northampton, England alongside one brother, two sisters, and three step-sisters.

Phyllis had a number of roles during her career, including being a cook, manufacturing equipment and bombs during WWII, volunteering for the Red Cross and managing a senior citizens home.

Phyllis went on to settle in Galway with her husband John in 1981 following their retirement.

Ireland's 'oldest person', Phyllis Furness, dies aged 109

Her husband was a keen angler and wanted to be near Lough Corrib for fishing trips.

The couple had one son named Michael who was born in 1942 and died in 2012.

After her move to Ireland, Phyllis became an active member in the local community through Kilcummin Church.

Her husband passed away in 1984 and she continued to live in Oughterard village until last year when she moved to Moycullen Nursing Home.

Phyllis had received greeting cards from Queen Elizabeth, as well as Charles and Camilla, which she displayed in her room.

She had also received commemorative coins from President Michael D Higgins every year since she turned 100.