Mary Norris

Mary C. Norris (née Fowler) (29 February 1892 - 12 September 2002) was an American supercentenarian who was one of the oldest known people in Nebraska when she died. Her case is validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG). She is the oldest known person ever born on 29 February.

Biography
Mary Norris was born Mary C. Fowler in Weeping Water, Nebraska on 29 February 1892. She was the sixth of nine children born to John M. and Laura J. (née Compton) Fowler. She graduated from high school in 1910, then became a teacher. She taught at rural schools for 5 years.

On 21 October 1915, Mary married John W. Norris, and they moved to a farm near Avoca, Nebraska. The couple had 2 sons, John Merton and Clifford. John Norris Sr. passed away in the spring of 1970. Mary continued to live in the farm after his death until she reached the age of 106. She renewed her driving license aged 96, and used her car until it stopped running.

Mary always ate balanced meals that came from her own garden (which was full of healthy foods). She walked a mile a day until the age of 102. She loved doing crossword puzzles. Mary's mother and one of her sisters lived until their mid-90s. She was playing dominoes aged 109, albeit with poor eyesight. She lived in Louisville Care Centre.

Mary Norris passed away on 12 September 2002 in Louisville, Nebraska at the age of 110 years, 195 days. She was survived by three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.