A ‘REMARKABLE’ care home resident who fought off the Covid-19 virus has celebrated her 101st birthday.
Lifelong Rugbeian Joan Blinco marked the occasion by celebrating with family, residents and staff at Overslade House.
The home’s manager Violeta Baesu described Joan as ‘an amazing lady,’ adding: “In her centenary year she contracted Covid and fought it with an inner strength we can all gain from, bouncing back to health, and regaining her beautiful smile.”
Joan, whose maiden name is Dytham, grew up in Rugby. As a teenager she loved to play hockey and netball, and now in her later years loves to watch rugby and is an avid supporter of Leicester Tigers.
One of her passions is classical music, coming from a musical family. Joan’s mother was in service from 1892, and her father was a musician who played for the soldiers throughout the war years. Joan used to play the same brass instruments.
Getting married at the start of the Second World War in the height of rations, Joan missed out on a wedding dress, but she recalls it being a very special day for her and husband Herbert – Bert to his friends – who at the time worked as a machinist at British Thomson-Houston (BTH) in Rugby.
Joan has concentrated her whole life on her family. Her son is a truck driver, and daughter a hairdresser. She has seven grandchildren that light up her life every time they visit.
Joan’s eldest grandchild lives in Australia and, although Joan will say she’s far from technology proficient – calling her mobile ‘that idiot phone’ – she has mastered Facetime and regularly chats with her family down under.
Violeta added: “Joan is a much-loved member of the Rugby community and Overslade House, and we truly hope she had a fantastic day celebrating with us and her visiting family.
“We’re delighted to be part of Joan’s 101st birthday celebrations. She’s a remarkable lady, always happy to chat, and loves nothing more than listening to Classic FM.”
