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Glen Ellyn centenarian commemorates milestone by bowling in her weekly league

Phyllis Walsh was born in Birmingham, England on Feb. 12, 1925. Her friends might have said that her birth was the “best thing since sliced bread” but there was no store-bought sliced bread in 1925.

Her birth was also before the invention of talking movies, bubblegum, Mickey Mouse, Kool-Aid, aerosol cans and frozen foods, to name a few. Throughout her childhood, her mother would give her very sound advice. One was to always wear a pin on your shirt … in case your knickers fell down. Advice she adheres to even to this day.

After Phyllis graduated from high school, she volunteered in the World War II effort. Her boyfriend, Thomas John Walsh, joined the Royal Army in the parachute brigade. After his return from the war, they married in 1946. In 1951, the couple moved to the United States and built a house in Glen Ellyn. They were happily married until Thomas fell ill and died at the age of 60. Phyllis never remarried.

Longtime Glen Ellyn resident Phyllis Walsh celebrates her 100th birthday with 24 of her teammates in the Wednesday bowling league at Fox Bowl in Wheaton. Courtesy of Jana Long

Three years ago at the age of 97, Phyllis moved into the Brookdale Senior Living in Glen Ellyn where she continues to be active. She enjoys spending time with her many friends, playing bingo, bowling, and visiting casinos. Her friends call her “The Queen” with her curly white hair and her British accent. She is a force even though she stands about 4’8“ tall.

Phyllis Walsh, who turned 100 this month, still competes in two weekly bowling leagues at Fox Bowl in Wheaton. Courtesy of Jana Long

Phyllis celebrated her 100th birthday on Feb. 12, 2025. She commemorated this auspicious day by doing what she does every Wednesday morning — bowling in her Wednesday league at Fox Bowl in Wheaton.

However, this is not the only bowling league that she participates in. She is also on a bowling league every Friday at Fox Bowl.

She started bowling in 1952 — at the age of 27 years old and has been bowling ever since. At the age of 97, she had a bowling average of 150. Many of her bowling friends try to keep up with her!

Glen Ellyn centenarian Phyllis Walsh shows off her bowling award patches. Courtesy of Jana Long

Happy 100th birthday, Phyllis. You have a century's worth of wisdom and experiences to share with all who love you. Everyone who knows you feels truly blessed.

Phyllis Walsh gives out some tasty treats during her 100th birthday celebration at Fox Bowl in Wheaton. Courtesy of Jana Long
Phyllis Walsh gets a bouquet of flowers for her centennial celebration during her weekly Wednesday bowling league at Fox Bowl in Wheaton. Courtesy of Jana Long
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