Donegal’s oldest person Ruby Duce is getting ready for yet another Christmas and another incredible birthday.
The amazing Castlefin woman, who was born on New Year’s Eve 1915, will turn 107 in just over a week’s time.
Letterkenny Gardai Sergeant Eunan Walsh and Garda Annmarie McGrath called to wish Ruby (nee Crawford) a very Happy Christmas this week at her home in Letterkenny, where she lives with her niece Margo Butler.
“We wish Ruby and her family a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year in 2023,” said Garda Walsh and McGrath.
Born in 1915 to George Crawford and Elizabeth (née McBride) of Castlefinn, Ruby has lived a long and interesting life.
She was the eldest of five children and lost two siblings, her brother James and sister Mary Elizabeth, to the Spanish Flu.
Ruby worked in Porter’s Shirt Factory from the age of 14 to 62. In 1956 she married her childhood sweetheart James Druce, who sadly passed away in 1970.
Ruby has lived through the two World Wars and watched as the world evolved beyond what seemed possible.
Three years ago Ruby made the headlines for going to the cinema for the first time in 80 years to see Downton Abbey. Ruby received a five-star welcome at Century Complex and was personally greeted by owner Mark Doherty.
A lifelong pioneer, Ruby’s secret to a long life has always been ‘plenty of walking, hard work and a daily cod liver oil capsule’.
