Birthday celebrations for 101-year-old in Walsall
She’s lived through the Second World War and witnessed a man land on the moon – and now Linda Cook has celebrated her 101st birthday.
Linda, who lives at Deighton Court in Brockhurst Crescent, Walsall, marked the special occasion with a party at the nursing home with her family.
It saw her three daughters, who also live at the home, help her celebrate on Monday – with staff coming in on their day off to join in.
Linda was born in 1919 and was one of 10 children. She tied the knot with George Frederick Cook when she was aged 19.
She started work at The Victoria Restaurant on Frederick Street, Birmingham, when she was 35 and stayed there for about 20 years.
Mrs Cook, who became the manageress at the restaurant, had three daughters – Linda Robinson, now 73, Maureen Edmonds, now 78, and Patricia Freeth, aged 81.
She now also has a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Ms Robinson said: “It was just the daughters there because of this virus, but we had lots of messages on Facebook. She’s had lots and lots of cards – but unfortunately they couldn’t come here.”
"But everyone made up for it – she couldn't believe it, actually. She couldn't believe the trouble people had gone to, especially those at the home.
"Even the cook came in on their day off to bake her a cake. Michelle Pickering [activities co-ordinator] came in a 10 o'clock in the night to put banners up – they're like family to us.
"She actually stayed awake until 3am afterwards just going through the day. She couldn't believe it."
Ms Pickering said: "It was wonderful, we really had a wonderful day. She was so emotional and it's so lovely.
"One of her daughters, Maureen, has the same birthday as well so it was a double celebration. Linda is the most amazing lady – she's always got a smile on her face.
"You would never believe she's 101. She's amazing and a joy to have at Deighton Court – along with her daughters."
