Care home resident celebrates her 107th birthday with family

Sanctuary Care Ltd resident Mary Joy has this month celebrated her 107th birthday in Don Thomson House Residential Care Home, Harwich.

Born in 1906, when King Edward VII was on the throne, Mrs Joy celebrated with a small family party and birthday cake with residents and the teams the following day.

Mrs Joy married her husband Reg Joy in 1954 and when asked what her secret of living to 107 is said: “I have no idea! I haven’t led a very exciting life as I spent a lot of it looking after other people. My favourite years were those I spent with my husband in Beaumont. I always enjoyed time spent outdoors gardening and farming.”

Manager of the Sactuary Care home Jan Watkins, Said: “Mary is an absolutely amazing woman who still takes a keen interest in all that’s going on in the world. It was wonderful celebrating such a special day with her.”

Mrs Joy was one of four children of William and Agnes Pinhey, and worked as a teacher in primary school, a governess and a housekeeper until she married.