Britain’s oldest twin, Kathleen Whitehead, has passed away at the grand age of 105, just three years after her identical sister, Dorothy Sivyer. Known fondly as “The Twinnies,” these remarkable sisters credited their longevity to a perfect blend of indulging in wine and chocolate balanced with healthy living and a large circle of female friends.
Born on 28 August 1920, Kathleen and Dorothy shared an inseparable bond, even living together in their childhood home during the Covid lockdown. Both sisters contributed to the war effort during World War Two, with Kathleen serving as a radar operator and Dorothy helping soldiers as a radiographer before becoming a physicist assistant.
Kathleen, the elder by just a few minutes, dedicated much of her life to teaching, while Dorothy raised a family consisting of three children, along with a legacy of six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Their secret to a long and happy life? Well, it was all about indulging in ‘naughty’ food, a cheeky glass of wine here and there, good health practices, and never succumbing to sibling squabbles.
The sisters once said they enjoyed their teenage years the most, embracing the freedom it brought. Dorothy fondly stated, “Our teenage years were our favourite time. You’re free to do what you want and go where you want. We’ve always got on very well. We’ve never quarrelled.”
As we bid farewell to Kath, we remember not just two sisters, but a legacy of love, laughter, and living life to the fullest. Cheers to Kathleen and Dorothy, who showed us all the beauty of sisterly love and the spice of life through their incredible 105 years! 💖🍷🍫