A RESIDENT of a Solihull care home has recently celebrated her 100th birthday.
Joan Whitford, from Ardenlea Grove Bupa Care Home recently celebrated her birthday with a party complete with birthday decorations, fizz and a homemade cake baked by Ardenlea Grove’s Chef Ilva .
Organised by Ardenlea Grove’s activity coordinator, Katie Moore, Joan was joined by the care home team and fellow residents of Ardenlea Grove as everyone came together to celebrate her milestone birthday.
Joan said: “I am happy to get to 100 years of age as I know not many people are lucky enough to live so long. I really have had a brilliant life travelling and having my children, so I feel grateful to have made 100 years’ worth of wonderful memories.”
Prior to calling Ardenlea Grove, home – Joan, who was born and raised in York, lived an exciting life travelling the world.
Having met her husband Harold, who worked in the American Air Force, in a hotel in 1951, the couple went on to live in Texas, Michigan and Germany.
Whilst in America, Harold and Joan had their three children before returning to Joan’s hometown of York.
When Harold sadly passed away, Joan decided to keep their spirit of adventure alive and move to Oklahoma.
At 92 years old, Joan returned to the UK and decided to settle in Solihull.
Now at Ardenlea Grove Bupa Care Home, Joan is a resident whose fantastic personality and outgoing nature make her well-loved by all.
Katie Moore, activity co-ordinator at Ardenlea Grove, said: “We all love hearing Joan’s incredible stories of her life travelling – she really does manage to light up every room she comes in to. We are so glad that her milestone birthday was such a special one and look forward to celebrating her next one!”
Visit https://www.bupa.co.uk/care-services for more information.
