Heather View resident celebrates 102nd birthday

Home news

Jul 18, 2018

A resident at Heather View celebrated her 102nd birthday with her family and close friends.

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at the care home when resident Joan Payne celebrated the special milestone.  

Joan was joined on her special day by family, friends and residents for a party hosted by the team at the care home, which included a delicious birthday meal specially prepared by Heather View’s chefs and a fruity cake. Joan also toasted the milestone with her lifelong friend, Ellen Haylor, who will turn 100 in October. Both met during World War II, when Joan worked in tea shop in London, and have been friends ever since.   

Joan was born in Fulham on 1st July 1916, where she lived throughout most of her life. She remembers her school years fondly, where her favourite subject was maths. Aged just 13, Joan started working in a sweet shop to support her family – and to this day, she still indulges in a few boiled sweets each day.   

Joan married her beloved late husband, Albert, an engineer in the Royal Army Educational Corps, in 1939. Together, they had two daughters, Diana and Beverley. Joan also has five grandchildren and two great grandchildren, with her family now spanning four generations. 

During World War Two, Joan worked in a tea shop, then went on to work in Harrods’ accounts department. After a few years spent off work to raise her daughters, she resumed working at a local grocer Oakshott’s accounts department. She later joined her husband’s printing company, where they worked together until they both retired in 1980. 

Joan has also travelled all over the country on caravaning holidays with her family. She visited lots of different places over the years, including Cornwall, the Isle of Wight, Jersey, Ireland and Scotland. 

Joan moved into Heather View in 2013. An animal lover, she loves the therapy dog visits organised by the home. Joan also takes part in the exercises classes and musical events, and particularly enjoys the quizzes. 

Natasha King, home manager at Heather View, said: “We always take the time to celebrate special days like birthdays to ensure the residents feel at home. Joan has been at the home for five years now, and she has made many friends, so it was wonderful to get everyone together to celebrate another incredible milestone with her.

“It was lovely to be joined by Joan’s family and Ellen for this important life event. It was clear from the smile on Joan’s face that she had a lovely time – as we all did celebrating her big day.”