Beryl James, Queensland’s oldest resident dies aged 109
Queensland’s oldest resident has died peacefully in Cairns, aged 109 and seven months.
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Beryl James, Queensland’s oldest resident has died peacefully in Cairns Hospital aged 109 and seven months.
Ms James was born in Brisbane on July 25, 1914 and spent her whole life in Queensland, later moving to the Far North where her sister was based.
She died on Monday, March 4 in Cairns Hospital.
Ms James’ daughter Vicki Brown said Beryl embraced life right up to the moment she passed and leaves a legacy and family all around Australia.
“The hospital thought they would be able to send her home but she just relaxed a little too much and went off peacefully,” Ms Brown said.
“She had three children and nine grandchildren and we have lost count of the great and great great grandchildren. She certainly has family around the country.
“We all called her Nanna J.”
Ms Brown remember her mum as someone who was always doing something in the community, whether it was in the tuckshop or volunteering with the RSL.
“She was very involved in the community with the ex-serviceman's associations and she had many friends, anytime there was a fundraising activity for school or the church she was there to help.
“She always offered a sense of security no matter what was going on. She always had a brave face and would always make you feel grounded.”
Ms Brown said Beryl was always a proponent of activity and keeping her body moving.
“She was always exercising and making sure she kept moving playing, tennis and golf, and she was a fantastic dancer I think that's why she reached such a fantastic age.
“She kept on moving even when she was in the nursing home doing her exercises and doing laps with her walker.
“She loved nature and getting out on the Esplanade at Trinity Beach.
“She was sharp to the end always beating everyone at cards and board games and loved her bingo, and we are not sure whether she had some tricks up her sleeve or not.
“All of the memories bring a smile to my face.”
Ms James’ extraordinary life will be remembered in a number of memorials with friends and family gathering around the country.
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Originally published as Beryl James, Queensland’s oldest resident dies aged 109
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