| Mary Aidan Donaldson | |
 | |
| Unvalidated |
Sister Mary Aidan Donaldson (born 20 August 1908) is a British-American supercentenarian whose age is currently unvalidated by the Gerontology Research Group.
Biography
Sister Mary Aidan Donaldson was born in Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland on 20 August 1908. At the age of 19, she departed her homeland and her father, who had raised her after the early death of her mother. In February 1927, she arrived in Mobile, Alabama and began her education ministry that September which lasted some 50 years. At that time, Donaldson transitioned into pastoral ministry, caring for those who were sick and shut-in.
One of her most astounding achievements was the new vocation she embraced at the age of 89 when she announced her retirement from active ministry. Sister Aidan took up watercolour painting under the tutelage of a former eighth grade student. On her 95th birthday, she had an exhibit of her floral work, entitled “Praising God’s Beauty”, selling 20 of them.
As noted in the homily, Donaldson is a “spirit-filled woman who lived through a century of extraordinary changes in the church, religious life, and a new technological world. And she was a woman before her times in many ways: strong-willed, fiercely independent, self-directed, competent, and future oriented.” And not much has changed, even now these traits are ever exhibited today, as she is an avid reader of the newspaper, religious publications, all Mercy works and actively participates in Community prayer and activities most days.
Since she arrived at the Retirement Residence in 1988, Donaldson was labelled as the “official greeter and hospitality lady” for the Community. And even today, most visitors to the Community are greeted by Donaldson who sits poised in the Convent living room.
The motto engraved in her profession ring, My Jesus, all for thee, continues to guide and direct her every action.