Great grandmother celebrates 101st birthday with family and friends

A South Molton woman has celebrated her 101st birthday with a tea party at East Street Care Home, surrounded by family, friends, and the dedicated team who care for her.

Rose Bruniges, born in Islington, London, in 1924, marked the special occasion with cupcakes, tea, and balloons provided by the care home. 

Her birthday celebration was attended by loved ones, who gathered to celebrate this remarkable milestone.

Rose was only 15 when World War II broke out in 1939. Islington, where she lived, suffered considerable damage during the Blitz, and she recalls spending nights in bomb shelter basements, listening for air raid sirens. 

After the war, Rose worked at the Black Cat Cigarette factory in Camden, before marrying her childhood sweetheart, cobbler Jim Bruniges, at the age of 19. 

The couple had two sons, Alan and Barry, and spent nearly 50 years together before Jim's death in 1992. 

Today, Rose enjoys the company of two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Having been a resident at East Street for a year, Rose enjoys the live music, visits from family, and engaging with her friends.

Speaking about reaching the milestone, Rose shared her thoughts on a long and happy life:

“I think the secret to a long and happy life is finding a good husband and always having a kiss before bed. I suspect my children and grandchildren have helped to keep me young, and a regular Baileys keeps me in good spirits.”

She added: “It was lovely to celebrate my birthday with my loved ones around me and many thanks to the caring team here at East Street for making it all happen.”

Sarah Coull, East Street's home manager, spoke of the joy in celebrating Rose’s birthday, saying: “It has been our pleasure to join Rose and her family and friends in marking this milestone birthday. Rose is a very popular member of the East Street family and she still manages to take a full and active part in life at the home.”