Isabella Hayes
- Lifespan: June 17, 1900 – Nov. 5, 2011
- Age: 111 years, 141 days
- Birthplace: Barrhead, Scotland, UK
- Last residence: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Validation date: June 19, 2015
- Validation source: Robert Young/Oliver Trim/Waclaw Jan Kroczek/Andrew Holmes
Isabella Hayes was born on June 17, 1900 in Barrhead, near Glasgow, Scotland, and emigrated to Canada in her 20s along with her parents (who later returned to Scotland). She was married to James Hayes from 1931 until his death in 1962. The couple had eight children, the last being a set of twins when she was 42. As well as raising a large family, Hayes worked as a house and office cleaner, including for conductor and composer Ernest MacMillan in the 1930s. She also did some babysitting. Hayes continued working until she retired in her 70s. She reportedly remained in good health until the age of 107, and was able to perform a Highland fling dance on her 100th birthday. She lived independently until she was 100, before moving to a retirement home and later a care home in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Isabella Hayes died on November 5, 2011 at the age of 111 years, 141 days. At the time of her death, she had 30 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. At the time of her death, she was:
- the oldest person in Ontario (following the death of 110-year old Pasqualina Franco on Aug. 16, 2009)
- the 2nd oldest person in Canada (behind Cora Hansen of Alberta (1899-2012), Doyenne of Canada)
Isabella Hayes’s age was verified by Robert Young, GRG-UK Correspondent Oliver Trim, Waclaw Jan Kroczek, and Andrew Holmes, and validated by the Gerontology Research Group as of June 19, 2015.
Isabella Hayes, undated.
Isabella Hayes, aged 100, in 2000.
Isabella Hayes, as centenarian, with her grandson Chris.
Isabella Hayes in 2009, aged 109.
Isabella Hayes on her 110th birthday, as supercentenarian.
Isabella Hayes in the summer of 2010, aged 110.