Addington Heights resident reveals the secret to long life as she celebrates 100th birthday

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Oct 18, 2017

A resident at Addington Heights celebrated her 100th birthday and revealed the secret to a long and happy life.

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at Addington Heights when resident Margaret (Susie) Johnson celebrated her 100th birthday. Susie turned 100 years ‘young’ on 3rd September, and revealed the secret to a long life is having a strong determination in everything you set your mind to.

To celebrate this milestone birthday, Susie was joined by family, friends and residents for a party hosted by the team at the care home.

Susie was born on 3rd September 1917 in Gillingham, and grew up in Knaphill, Surrey, with her parents and sister Nel. When she was 14 years old, Susie began working in the drapery department in a store in Woking which was the first step in her career.

In 1940, Susie met her future husband, Neil, who she married in 1941. Together, they ran Baker Stores in Lower Addiscombe for 10 years. While living here, Susie and Neil had three children, Andrew, Margaret and Louise.

In 1963, Susie and her family moved to South Norwood where she became the manageress of the drapery department in the Cooperative Store in Banstead. During her time in South Norwood, Susie was an active member of St Marks Church, the Women’s Institute, and Mother’s Union.

Susie has lived at Addington Heights care home for four and a half years, and enjoys being visited by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, who often treat her to her favourite sweet treat of Cadbury chocolate.

Tony Onabanjo, home manager at Addington Heights, said: “Residents are at the heart of everything we do here at Addington Heights and we always like to make an occasion of birthdays. To celebrate Susie’s 100th birthday, we held a special party here at the home, and it was lovely to be joined by Susie’s family and friends for this important milestone.”