Helen Doan
- Full name: Helen McKinnon Doan (née Donaldson)
- Lifespan: (18.09.1911 – 18.04.2024)
- Age: 112 years, 213 days
- Birthplace: Temiskaming Mine, Ontario, Canada
- Last residence: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Application date: 18.09.2023
- Validation date: 25.10.2023
- Validation source: Oliver Trim/Waclaw Jan Kroczek
Biography
Helen McKinnon Doan was born in Coleman, Ontario, Canada on 18 September 1911. She relocated to Toronto with her family at the age of 12. In Toronto, she met her late husband, Harold Alfred Doan, and they were married in 1935. The couple had two children, Helen and Harry. Helen McKinnon Doan has five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
She worked as a bookkeeper and an office manager until her retirement in 1976. Her life spanned both the First and Second World Wars, and she fondly remembers singing “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” at the age of four while collecting money for soldiers during the Great War. As a child, she enjoyed playing softball and lived to witness the advent of cars, airplanes, television, computers, and numerous technological, social, and medical advancements. Even in her 90s, she embraced technology, such as her first iPad.
Described by her daughter as a person known for her keen intelligence, sharp wit, contagious laughter, knowledge, genuine kindness, words of wisdom, magical stories, and delightful storytelling, Helen Doan is cherished for her beauty, gentleness of character, her love of life, her caring heart, her sense of humor, humility, dignity, and charm.
The most important lesson Helen’s daughter learned from her mother is to express her feelings and find ways to solve challenges. Helen Doan instilled the value of education in her children from a very young age. She and her husband promoted education and emphasized the importance of addressing problems.
On 19 September 2022, following the death of 111-year-old Dora Skeen, she became the oldest living person in the province of Ontario.
On her 112th birthday, Helen Doan’s immediate family gathered at her home to celebrate this milestone. Her family, as well as well-known figures such as King Charles and Queen Camilla, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Governor General Mary Simon, and Mayor Olivia Chow, have extended their birthday wishes to her, acknowledging the significance of this special occasion.
On 30 January 2024, following the death of 113-year-old Mabel Mah of British Columbia, she became the oldest living person in Canada.
Helen Doan died in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on 18 April 2024 at the age of 112 years, 213 days. Following her death, then 112-year-old Gertruda Gorecka, became the oldest living person in Canada.
Longevity recognition
- Oldest living person in Canada (30.01.2024 – 18.04.2024)
- Oldest living person in Ontario (25.01.2022 – 18.04.2024)
Validation
Her age was verified by Oliver Trim and Waclaw Jan Kroczek, and validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) on 25 October 2023.
Helen Doan on her 112th birthday in 2023
Helen Doan in her youth.
Helen Doan (undated photo)
Helen Doan with her daughter Helen.
Photo courtesy toronto.ctvnews.ca