Kathleen Hayes Rollins Snavely, a Co. Clare born woman, will turn 112 today which it is believed will make her the oldest living Irish-born woman.
According to the Irish Times, Kathleen went off yesterday to get her hair done for the special occasion.
Kathleen emigrated to America in 1921 and set up a successful dairy from scratch. She currently resides in Syracuse, upstate New York.
This retired businesswoman has lived through two wars, 18 American Presidents and survived two husbands. She never had any children.
The Irish Times reveals that up to two years ago, Kathleen was living independently, travelling on the bus and shopping for food, until she broke her hip and had to move in to a care centre.
Sr. Kathy Osbelt, a friend of Kathleen’s, says that Snavely regularly talks about her experiences growing up in Ireland and her family.
She said: “She talks about the wit and the appreciation for natural beauty. She is very funny and very feisty and loves a good story and to tell stories.”
“It is unfortunate that more people don’t know her. She is a treasure; she really is a peach.”
Kathleen received a letter from President Michael D. Higgins last year and the centenarian bounty of €2,540.
Image via the Irish Times.
