BETTE NASH, aged 88
Originally a legal secretary she became an air stewardess – and went on to break the record as the longest serving flight attendant in the world.
JUDY HASHMAN, aged 88
A superb all-round sportswoman she represented the USA in many sports but excelled at badminton. She became badminton’s greatest female player of all time.
HAL WATTS, aged 89
He became a scuba diver by accident but went on to break world records. Also he raised the safety standard of the sport and trained many other divers.
MADELEINE RIFFAUD, aged 100
A French resistance fighter who was tortured by the Gestapo, she played a key role in the liberation. She later served as a journalist in various war zones.
BALTAZAR USHCA, aged 80
From rural Ecuador he was the last Iceman, digging out ice from the mountains of the Andes with only help from his donkey – and selling it at local markets.
NORMAN PILCHER, aged 85
Part of the Drug Squad of the Metropolitan Police in the Swinging Sixties, he set out to arrest celebrities, but he was extremely corrupt and ended up in prison himself.
MARY LEE, aged 101
After winning a talent show she became a child star of the 1930s, singing in dance bands. Later on she became a comedian and musician – part of a double act.
DENNIS BRYDEN, aged 97
A pilot in the RAF, he was shot down over Europe and sent to Stalg Luft 3. There, he eventually became part of the forced Long March in the winter of 1944.
PATTI McGEE, aged 79
Originally a surfer, she became the first female professional skateboarder, holding demonstrations across the USA and appearing on TV – a legend of the sport.
VANILLA BEANE, aged 103
A self-taught seamstress and milliner, she worked past 100, making hats for all occasions. Her work is recognised in both museums and on a US postal stamp.
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