Joan was born just a few weeks after the end of the First World War

Winifred ‘Joan’ Simpson celebrates her 106th birthday with friends, family and Enfield mayor Mohammad Islam (credit Care UK)

One of Enfield’s oldest residents has celebrated her 106^th birthday and shared the secret to living a long and happy life.

Winifred ‘Joan’ Simpson, a resident at Care UK’s Elizabeth Lodge, in Highlands Village, marked her birthday with a party at the home, where the team decorated the lounge and the head chef made a special cake.

Mayor of Enfield Mohammad Islam even joined the celebration to wish Joan a happy birthday.

Joan was born in Southwark on 21^st February 1919, just a few months after the end of the First World War, and worked as a secretary in her younger years.

She met husband William at a dance club and the pair married in 1945. They have a daughter, Jillian, who later brought two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren into the family.

William and Joan ran a funeral parlour together and lived above the premises, where there was “never a dull moment”. One of Joan’s favourite memories was the laughs everyone had when her daughter would be dropped off after a date outside the funeral parlour, and said: “No-one ever wanted to stop by for a coffee.”

Joan has always been a very active person and enjoyed tai chi classes at the home up until recently. She also enjoys watching theatre performances and enjoyed travelling in her younger years.

When asked what the secret to living a long and happy life was, Joan joked: “Now if I were to tell you that it wouldn’t be a secret anymore.”

But she did later share the secret and said: “Working all my life, keeping active both mentally and physically, taking an interest in others and having a great family around me.”

Michelle Sampang, home manager at Elizabeth Lodge, said: “Joan is a much-loved resident at Elizabeth Lodge, and it was great to be a part of such a special day.

“We’re committed to helping residents live fulfilling lives, which is why we love to celebrate big milestones – and Joan’s birthday 106^th birthday is a huge milestone indeed! It was great to listen to her share her favourite memories and words of wisdom with everyone – there aren’t many people doing tai chi well into their 100s and I think we should all take a leaf out of Joan’s book!

“I’d like to say a big thank you to the entire team for making the day so wonderful and to councillor Mohammad Islam for coming to celebrate Joan’s special day.”

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