‘A sense of humour’ is the secret to living a long life, according to 102-year-old Eye care home resident

A resident at a care home in Eye gave valuable life advice as she toasted a special milestone. 

Marie Still celebrated her 102^nd birthday in style at Care UK’s Hartismere Place, on Castleton Way, on 20^th June, and shared her secret to living a long life – to have a sense of humour and laugh.

Marie was born in Rotherhithe in London on 20^th June 1922, before moving to Gallatly Road in Newcross, where she lived for 90 years. 

During World War Two, Marie joined the forces to become a straw woman, repairing goods for the men. Marie remembers putting notes into the parcels to say good luck and how sometimes they would get messages back. When Marie’s office was bombed, she was relocated to Milton Court in Surrey, where Marie and the girls she lived with attended dances in the village hall. It was here they would meet soldiers who were about to go to war.

While Marie was working in a warehouse during the war, she met her husband Bernard who asked her out after chatting. They later got married and had a daughter together, Jane. 

Marie worked until she was 95 years old as a dinner lady and taught sewing lessons. She loved to knit, sew, embroider, and read history books, as well as travelling to Egypt and going on cruises.

On the big day, the team at Hartismere Place adorned the home with balloons and banners, complete with a birthday cake specially prepared by the Head Chef.

Marie said: “I enjoyed celebrating my birthday, but I still cannot believe I am 102. It was an emotional but enjoyable day for me. I loved my party and enjoyed spending time with my family and friends. My favourite part was being surrounded by people that love and care for me.”

Claire Martin, Home Manager at Hartismere Place, said: “It was an honour to celebrate Marie’s birthday with her. She is a beloved resident at Hartismere Place, and we all had a lovely time acknowledging this tremendous milestone.

“Everything we do centres around supporting residents to live fulfilling lives, which is why we are always eager to mark special occasions. Marie’s 102^nd birthday was no exception, and it was a delight to hear her sound advice for living a long and happy life.”

Hartismere Place has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short term respite care. The team also operates a day centre, the Hartismere Place Day Club, open to the community throughout the week.