HC-One’s Godden Lodge Care Home, in Benfleet, Essex, is appealing for kind-hearted people to send birthday cards to a resident who is turning 99.
Godden Lodge resident Eileen Elizabeth Graber, 98, was born on March 17, 1926, in Barking, Essex. Eileen has led an exciting life, full of love and joy.
Eileen was brought up in the city of London with her six siblings – four sisters and two brothers. In her younger years, Eileen worked as a machinist and was a great knitter.
Eileen married her husband, Thomas Henry Graber in February 1945 and they were married for 68 years. Eileen and Thomas were avid readers and enjoyed completing crossword puzzles. In addition, Eileen and Thomas enjoyed going out to eat and loved jetting off on foreign holidays included going to Spain, Italy, Gran Canaria, Yugoslavia, Greece and Turkey.
Together Eileen and Thomas had two children - John who was born in June 1949 and Joan who was born in January 1951. Eileen also has two granddaughters who she adores and dotes on - Lisa and Clare as well as two great grandchildren - George and Ruby.
Eileen will be celebrating her birthday with a party and celebration at Godden Lodge surrounded by her family, friends, colleagues and residents at Godden Lodge.
The team are helping make Eileen’s birthday wishes come true by appealing to the public to make Eileen’s birthday extra special by sending a birthday card. They are asking for a heartfelt funny message; a funny joke; or just a reminder of how fabulous she is to be sent to her to make her day extra special.
Godden Lodge Care Home are asking people to spread the love by showering Eileen with heartfelt birthday cards as it "would mean so much” to her. This would ensure she feels the love, laughter and joy she has given to others over the years.
When asked what her secret to living a long life is, Eileen Hambleton said:
“My secret to living a long life is being nice to people and enjoying a glass of gin and tonic with a slice of lemon!”
Lewis Chester, HC-One’s Godden Lodge Care Home Manager, commented:
“From everyone here at Godden Lodge, we would like to wish Eileen a fantastic 99th birthday. We look forward to celebrating Eileen’s birthday with her.
“To mark this amazing milestone birthday, we’re rallying together to get Eileen at least 99 birthday cards – one for every year of her incredible life! Whether it’s a store-bought card, a handmade masterpiece, or just a simple note, we want to fill her day with lots of love and laughter.
“It would mean so much to Eileen, reading the well wishes and messages from others in the local community.”
Any cards people wish to send should be sent to: F.A.O. Eileen Elizabeth Graber, Godden Lodge Care Home, 57 Hart Road, Thundersley, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 3GL.
For more information on HC-One homes in your area visit www.hc-one.co.uk/carehomes.