'Hard work' key to long life says glamorous former model on 100th birthday
Lovely lady Johanna, who has an 'infectious zest for life', shared her secret on her special day
INCREDIBLE MILESTONE: Johanna Summerfield was dressed to impress as she marked her 100th birthday in style
A former fashion model whose career took her across Europe in her 20s has celebrated becoming a centenarian, true to form, in designer togs. Johanna Summerfield still has a keen eye for fashion and marked her memorable milestone at a special lunch with her family.
Johanna's modelling career took off when she worked for a clothing retailer in Fakenham, Norfolk. She still owns a number of designer pieces and loves to share her memories of working in the fashion industry as well as picking out her outfits and jewellery for the day.
Sharing her secret that hard work is the key to long life, Johanna celebrated her 100th birthday at a care home in Histon, Cambridgeshire. Johanna has been a resident of Norfolk for most of her life.
Her grandfather was the head gamekeeper at Sandringham and she met Queen Elizabeth II when her father also worked there so it was a special moment for Johanna to receive her royal telegram on her landmark birthday. Johanna was joined by two of her three children, grandchildren and other members of her family for a buffet in Bramley Court care home with a chocolate cake specially baked for the occasion.
Johanna has been a resident at the home since 2017 and the caring team went above and beyond to ensure she had enjoyed a birthday to remember. The Bramley Court team also presented Johanna with a thoughtful music box that plays 'You Are My Sunshine.'
“We knew that this was a song Johanna’s late husband would sing to her every night when he came home from work,” said head of quality Carol Morgan. “It seemed the perfect gift.”
“It was wonderful to receive the telegram and celebrate the day with my family who are so important to me,” said Johanna. “I have always believed in the power of hard work every day is the secret to a long happy life.”
Her son Peter said: “The personalised gifts the home presented to Mum were very moving, especially the card from the King and Queen.” Daughter Rhona added: “Mum is very lucky to be at Bramley Court where she is loved so much and has so many friends.”
Judith Wroe, care home manager at Bramley Court, explained how Johanna’s personality lights up the home. She said: “Johanna’s infectious zest for life has a huge impact on everyone around her. A big part of life in our home is maintaining strong relationships with our community, such as the local school and nursery groups and we also arrange a lot of trips out and about.
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“Needless to say, everyone we meet loves Johanna. Her positive energy brings a sense of joy to our home, making it a brighter place for everyone.
“We were all delighted to share this landmark occasion with Johanna and we love to be able to arrange these special celebrations for our residents and welcome their loved ones into our home. Her independent spirit is a massive inspiration to everyone and a reminder to live life to the full and cherish family bonds.
“She was delighted to receive her special telegram which made her day. We were so happy that she was able to spend time with her family who are all so important to her.”
The party was organised and hosted by Bramley Court, a community focused, 72-bed care home which provides high quality residential, nursing and dementia care. For more information visit Bramley Court website here.
Submitted by Robbie Gill
