Eileen Hunter, a Resident at HC-One’s Beaconsfield Court Home was treated to a pair of celebrations to mark her 100th birthday.
Mrs Hunter, who lives at Beaconsfield Court Care Home, in Barnard Castle, was treated to a pre-birthday bash organised by staff and Residents at the home complete with champagne and cake. She was also sang happy birthday to by local schoolchildren from Montalbo School, who are regular visitors to the home.
Then, a couple of days later, close family and friends helped her open her cards and presents in another, more intimate affair with 38 members of her family, including two daughters, seven grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and ten great great grandchildren. Two of her granddaughters, Millie and Lydia, lovingly baked her a cake for the special occasion.
Eileen was born in Gateshead but spent most of her adult life in Ryton, Tyne and Wear, though she was a regular visitor to Barnard Castle and “fell in love with the place”.
She made the move to Barnard Castle only five years ago following the death of her beloved husband of more than 60 years, Tom, to be closer to her daughter Jan Swinburn, who is a long-term Resident of the town.
As well as being a devoted mother to Jan and June, Eileen said she enjoyed a varied career with jobs including a Pitman shorthand teacher.
But she found her calling working as a doctor’s receptionist and says she did not want to retire when the time came. However she filled her time at the WI and racked up more than 70 years as an active member, including serving as President several times.
These days are a little quieter for Eilieen, though she enjoyed the attention on her special day.