JOAN Ridgeway is not one to bear a grudge and it was advice the new centenarian was keen to share.
The Rugby resident celebrated her 100th birthday with her children Joy and Graham, 11 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, and later celebrated with other well-wishers at Anya Court Care Home – where she was the very first resident.
World War One 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.
Joan received a letter from the Queen congratulating her on her milestone and celebrated her birthday with a family party at her daughter’s house – with her daughter-in-law and grandchildren travelling from Australia and Canada to be with her.
A separate celebration was also arranged for Joan at Anya Court.
Joan said: “I had a great day, I felt like I was going to burst with all the attention I received on my birthday.
“My secret to longevity is to live life as God meant you to, and my words of wisdom are to never bear a grudge.”
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. I am so pleased to hear that she had a great day, as she thoroughly deserves it.”
Joan Ridgway with her cake and Anya Court’s Karen Handley.
