‘Family means everything’: Telford woman celebrates her 105th birthday

A Telford woman has celebrated her 105th birthday with an outpouring of cards and messages from across the country - including a special card from His Majesty The King.

Eleanor Devey marked the milestone at Sanctuary Care’s Lake View Residential Care Home in Telford, where staff organised a special two-day celebration.

Home manager Dannie Sheldon launched an appeal to Sanctuary Care homes around the country, as well as Eleanor’s family and friends, asking them to send birthday cards.

The response was overwhelming, with cards arriving from near and far for Eleanor to open and read, each carrying messages of congratulations and good wishes.

Among them was a birthday card from The King.

Eleanor was born into a family of five children and is now the last surviving sibling.

After leaving school, she worked in domestic service in a private house before the outbreak of the Second World War. During the war, she helped with the country's efforts by manufacturing bullets in Kidderminster before later working in a factory.

Family has remained at the centre of Eleanor’s life. She met her late husband, Clarence, at a dance in Ludlow and together they raised a family.

She is now a mother, grandmother to two grandchildren and great-grandmother to three great-grandchildren.

Asked what is most important to her, Eleanor’s answer is simple - family means everything.

At Lake View, she is described as a quiet, private and clever lady whose warmth and knowledge have made her a much-loved member of the care home community.

Residents and staff enjoy hearing Eleanor’s memories and stories of the many historical events she has witnessed during her 105 years.

Her daughter, Barbara Johnson, said reaching the milestone was particularly special following a period of ill health last year.

“This birthday is a wonderful and remarkable achievement,” she said.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to her strength and resilience. For her family, it is a special opportunity to celebrate a lifetime of memories and achievements.”

She added that it was a privilege for everyone at Lake View to share in the occasion.

The celebration brought together Eleanor’s family, friends, fellow residents and staff, with cards, gifts and time spent together helping to make her 105th birthday a memorable one.