Kathleen Grimwood
Tributes are paid to Kathleen, 110
Monday, January 30, 2012
9:25 AM
A FAMILY have paid tribute to a remarkable women who retained her independence to the last - despite being 110.
Kathleen Grimwood, of The Croft, Sudbury, died last Wednesday at West Suffolk Hospital following a bout of illness but until then she had remained active, independent and alert. She was believed to be Suffolk’s oldest resident.
Her nephew John Grimwood, 73, of Great Waldingfield, said last night: “She was a very independent lady, an absolutely amazing lady. She had done so much in her life.”
Illustrating just how sharp his aunt was, he added: “She could tell you all about things that happened years ago in the local area, she had wonderful memories and they were recorded.”
A twin, Miss Grimwood grew up in The Croft before leaving to work as a matron at various boarding schools including one in Woodbridge. She retired when her parents fell ill and nursed them during their last years.
She later moved along the road to the home that she remained in right up until her stay in hospital. She outlived her twin Gertrude, who died aged 90.
Thanking those who helped his aunt in her latter years, Mr Grimwood said: “She had great friends and neighbours who really looked after her well. Without them she wouldn’t have lasted so long.
“She had carers who were devoted to her and she will be sadly missed by everybody.”
Interviewed at 107 when she was given Maundy Money by the Queen, Miss Grimwood said: “They didn’t think I would live for more than three weeks when I was born because I was so small. They used to call me ‘tiny’.”
Miss Grimwood always put her good health down to the fact she had worked hard.
Funeral plans are yet to be confirmed.
