Littlehampton woman celebrates 105th birthday

Great-grandmother Dorothy, who is a resident at the Summerlea Nursing Home, in East Street, received her second birthday greeting from the Queen and celebrated by hosting a vibrant party, with friends, family, staff and Littlehampton mayor, Alan Gammon, last Wednesday.

However, it seems that reaching triple digits is commonplace in Dorothy’s family, with three of her relatives having already topped a century.

Dorothy’s son, Malcolm Lyne, 68, of Clun Road, Wick, said that his mother’s grandmother and great aunts all achieved their centenary, with the eldest reaching her 108th birthday.

He said: “I think old age certainly has something to do with the genes, but it’s not just that.

“My mother is a determined person. She has kept her mind active her entire life and that probably plays a huge factor when it comes to reaching such an impressive age.”

Dorothy was born in Yorkshire on September 21, 1906. During her lifetime, she has witnessed the Zeppelin fly over Hull, seen men land on the moon and survived two world wars.

During the 1930s, Dorothy worked as a parlour maid in Bristol, serving the family of British tobacco tycoon, Sir William Wills.

In 1944, tragedy struck for Dorothy and her children, Georgina and Malcolm, when husband, George, was killed during a German bombing raid on Bristol.

After George’s death, Dorothy moved to Littlehampton to stay with relatives.

She and her children lived in High Street, before moving to Wick Farm Road and eventually settling in the family home in Clun Road in 1958.

Dorothy’s daughter, Georgina Oakley, 71, said: “Mum is such a kind and caring person. She is quick-minded and witty and always has something to say. She is a real character and gets along with everybody she meets.”

Dorothy moved into the Littlehampton nursing home following a sudden stroke, when she was 94. However, her determination amazed family and friends, as she bounced back to health in a matter of days.

“It was astounding. In less than a week, Mum was up and moving,” said Malcolm. “No one would have been any the wiser.”

Her 100th birthday went with a bang when firefighters from the town surprised guests, after a smoke alarm in the building was accidentally tripped.

Dorothy, who has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, is now looking forward to receiving her third birthday message from the Queen, next year.