KEY POINTS:
New Zealand's oldest woman, who died last night at the age of 113, said her prayers in bed every night -- often at the top of her voice, her doctor said.
Florence Finch died in Hastings, effectively of old age, GP Peter Foley told said.
Dr Foley said Mrs Finch had always been in good health and needed little medical attention other than a yearly flu shot until recently. He said her eye-sight and hearing failed towards the end.
She had been a patient of Dr Foley and his father Tony for about 40 years.
When asked if Mrs Finch ever shared the secrets to her longevity, Dr Foley said in addition to saying her prayers she had always been a good eater.
Mrs Finch was born December 22, 1893. She married Charles Finch in 1915 and had twins, Charles and Ellen, in 1919 and lived in London until Mr Finch died in 1964.
She came to New Zealand in 1969 to join her daughter and son-in-law in Hawke's Bay.
Mrs Finch died in a resthome in Hastings with nursing staff nearby.
She is survived by her daughter.
- NZPA
