AN EMOTIONAL Rugby resident has celebrated her 102nd birthday.
Joan Ridgway spent her special day with outdoor visits from her family at Anya Court Care Home, and also enjoyed a series of video calls from family around the globe – from as far away as Australia and New Zealand.
The First World War was still ongoing when Joan was born in Rugby on August 18, 1918.
She worked in the toy shop her dad owned on Sheep Street until she met her late husband Don Ridgway at church. The couple married in 1939 and went on to have three children.
She also has 11 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Joan, 102 said: “To see all my family from all over the world on the big cinema screen was emotional but wonderful.”
She added her secret to longevity is “to enjoy a little bit of everything except alcohol!”
Anya Court Customer Relationship Manager Karen Handley said: “Joan was our first resident at Anya Court Care Home and she is much loved by all of us here.
“Joan is an inspiration to us all and to celebrate her 102nd birthday with her was a privilege.”
