Ruth celebrates landmark birthday

Ruth celebrated her landmark birthday at Elsyng House care home by receiving 100 cards to mark her 100^th birthday.

Our team at Elsyng House organised the collection of cards for former probation officer, Ruth, as well as an afternoon tea with her daughter, Carol, son-in-law Peter, grandson Richard and his wife, and 14 month old great-grandson Rudi.

“Ruth was our very first resident when we opened in February so we wanted to make the day as special as possible.”

– Head of Hospitality, Daisy Slavkova.

“COVID-19 restrictions meant we couldn’t welcome all her family but Ruth really enjoys being made a fuss of, and to see her face when she saw all of her cards was just wonderful!”

The party was one of two that the team organised for Ruth as COVID-19 restrictions meant numbers were limited – and she was also able to celebrate with her other daughter Clare and her husband, their two sons and great-grand-daughter, Lily.

Ruth’s amazing life

Born in Berlin in 1921, Ruth escaped to Britain with her family at the age of 12.  With the outbreak of war in 1939, she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and became a Flight Sergeant, intercepting German communications and giving pilots false instructions to disrupt their bombing missions.

After the War she studied social sciences at the London School of Economics and went on to join the Colonial Office, working on projects for women and children in East Africa.  She met her husband, Gunther, in Kenya, where they married in 1958.

The couple returned to England in the ‘60s and were living together up until Gunther’s death last year at the age of 106.

“Mum has had an amazing life – we had a lot to celebrate and we had a wonderful time thanks to the staff here,”

– Daughter, Carol.

“After so long with Dad, living alone didn’t suit her and she’s loving the company and stimulation here.  I’m just ten minutes away so I come to see her twice a week and it’s lovely that, as her nominated visitor, I’ve been able now to hold her hand and see her face-to-face rather than through the glass in the family meeting room.”

“The whole family is looking forward to when COVID-19 restrictions are eased even more,” added Carol, “but in the meantime, staff have been amazing at making it possible for us to come and spend this special day with Mum.”

Find out more about our Elsyng House Care Home in Enfield.