Ethel Caterham, a resident of Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, recently celebrated an amazing milestone. At 115 years young, she has settled into her new role as the oldest person in the world! Caterham’s early life Caterham was born on August 21, 1909 in Shipton Bellinger, a picturesque village in southern England. His life arc is an incredible kaleidoscope of memories that spans more than 100 years.
At 18 years old, in 1927, Ethel embarked on that adventure of a lifetime to the other side of the world in India. There, she briefly became a nanny for an elite British family. This original chapter of her life opened the door to a lifetime of impactful adventures. These experiences would prove to be hugely influential in shaping her future. It was at just such a dinner party in 1931 that she first met her husband, Norman. Ethel, with her parents, Norman Entwistle, a major in the British army, brought Ethel with him on postings to Hong Kong and Gibraltar. This journey opened her life to the beauty of new cultures and experiences.
During their time in Britain, Ethel and Norman raised two daughters. Their domestic world was based on love and encouragement, until Norman’s death in 1976. Ethel’s extraordinary adaptability to life’s obstacles has been a major asset to her long life. She attributes her secret to a long life to her approach towards relationships, stating simply:
“Never arguing with anyone … I listen and I do what I like.” – Ethel Caterham
Caterham’s remarkable ‘time-warp’ has captured the imagination and hearts of her community. Hallmark Lakeview Luxury Care Home expressed their admiration, stating, “Huge congratulations to Lakeview resident, Ethel on becoming the oldest person in the world! What an incredible milestone and a true testament to a life well-lived.”
The care home further celebrated her life by noting, “Your strength, spirit, and wisdom are an inspiration to us all. Here’s to celebrating your remarkable journey!” These feelings are clearly indicative of the deep respect and appreciation that the community has for Caterham.
Ethel’s story is a record of her incredible spirit and is a model for millennial generations to come. Her life story represents a hundred years of history, defined by vast and tumultuous national and world events as well as such personal events. Having lived through both world wars and the great societal upheaval they brought, her wisdom sheds brilliant light on what she saw and how it applies today.
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