A British woman who recently celebrated her 105th birthday has been honoured by Benalmadena’s town hall for her extraordinary life and long-standing connection to the Costa del Sol.
Mayor Juan Antonio Lara and councillor for Foreign Residents Presi Aguilera visited Ivy Rhodes at her home to present her with the award for Benalmadense of the Year 2025, recognising her as one of the town’s most beloved international residents.
The special tribute also forms part of a wider recognition by the council for residents aged over 100 living in the municipality.
Rhodes, who turned 105 just weeks ago, was born on February 11, 1921, in Dudley in the United Kingdom.
After finishing school she began working at Newey Bros., quickly rising through the ranks and becoming a manager at just 26 years old – a remarkable achievement at a time when women faced major barriers in the workplace.
In 1947 she moved to London, where she continued her career with Columbia Pictures until her retirement.
A passionate traveller throughout her life, Rhodes visited many countries but developed a special affection for southern Spain.
She first came to Spain in 1955 and later bought an apartment in Benalmadena when she turned 60.
For more than four decades she has lived permanently in the town, becoming a familiar and much-loved figure in Arroyo de la Miel, particularly among the international community.
Mayor Lara praised Rhodes as ‘an example of effort and determination’ and described her as a symbol of integration and cultural openness in the town.
‘She represents the cosmopolitan and welcoming spirit of Benalmadena,’ he said, highlighting her life as a model of active ageing and community involvement.
The award recognises not only Rhodes’ remarkable longevity but also a lifetime marked by hard work, curiosity about the world and a strong bond with the community she has called home for decades.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
