Rochester Care Home residents Doris and Freda celebrate turning 100
We are delighted to share the news that two of our residents at our Rochester Care Home in Kent, Doris and Freda, celebrated their 100th birthdays last week!
However, what’s even more amazing is that Doris and Freda were born only two days apart!
Doris Steadson
Doris had her birthday first on Tuesday 14th February where she was joined by family which included two daughters, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren!
One great thing we learned about Doris is that she started her relationship with her future husband Bill as pen pals during World War Two when she slipped a note in his uniform with her name and address!
Asked if she had any life advice after turning 100, Doris had this to say:
“Never have any arguments or pick holes in people. I taught my children to always share and that’s an important lesson in life.
She concluded:
“A glass of sherry now and again and chocolate once a month!”
Freda Dearing
Freda celebrated her birthday two days later on Thursday 16th February, for this special occasion her family came down to Rochester for an afternoon of fairground fun and games for everyone to enjoy.
Like Doris, Freda led a colourful life, enjoying a long and varied career that spanned from usherette to accountant, but it was her time in in the Women’s Land Army during Second World War Two that means most to her.
During her years of service, she would meet her husband Will who was working at the nearby Linton Park estate as a gardener. Decades later she would receive a letter from the Queen in recognition for her service in the Women’s Land Army.
Asked if she had any secrets to a long life, Freda added:
“Eating chocolate and drinking Coca-Cola!”
She said of the party:
“I enjoyed the party and I expect I enjoyed the sherry!”.
Freda and her family
Both fabulous parties were planned by Rochester Care Home Registered Manager Irene Kinslow and her care team working alongside Doris and Freda’s families.
Irene added:
“I feel so privileged to be part of Freda and Doris’s 100th birthday celebrations.
“We had two fantastic parties for two brilliant ladies – both surrounded by their families.
“Making our residents happy is what we are all about at Rochester”.
Both Doris and Freda received congratulatory birthday cards from The King and Queen Consort, alongside a wealth of cards from friends, family and team members at Rochester Care Home.
