'Truly remarkable' - South Shields woman marks 103rd birthday with Elvis-themed celebration
South Shields woman celebrates 103rd birthday - and brings in the milestone with an Elvis-themed party.
A ‘remarkable’ South Shields care home resident saw in her 103rd birthday with an Elvis-theme to her celebration.
Irene May Berry was joined by staff, relatives, friends and other residents as she celebrated the day with a performance by singer Mike Memphis, an Elvis Presley impersonator, as well as a big cake with her photo on it.
Speaking at the event, she said: “It is wonderful to have a fantastic birthday celebration like this, it is marvellous.”
Irene was born in May 1923. She has lived in South Shields all her life.
Among those relatives attending were Irene’s two daughters, Ann and Denise. Speaking about their mother’s big event, they said: “Mum is and has been a fantastic mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother and a friend to so many over the past hundred and three years, and it’s wonderful to be with her on this very special day to say just how proud she makes us feel.”
Irene, who has two daughters, three grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, met her childhood sweetheart, Billy, when she was just 13 and they later married on October 8, 1945 at St Mary’s Church, South Shields.
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Judith Tully, General Manager of Barchester Harton Grange added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable woman as she reaches this amazing milestone. Irene is such a popular resident who brightens up everyone’s day with her smile.”
Harton Grange care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Harton Grange provides residential and dementia care for 62 residents from respite breaks to long term stays.