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Doreen, a resident at Engelberg Care Home in Wolverhampton, celebrated her 100th birthday in early August, marking a century of memories with a garden party surrounded by family and friends.
Born in Wolverhampton, Doreen grew up on Cannock Road, where she lived until she married. At just 14, she left school to join Barclays Bank in Queen Square, learning shorthand and typing, skills that shaped her working life. She went on to work as a touch typist at H. Villiers, the motorbike manufacturer, before becoming secretary to a manager at Goodyear. After raising her family, Doreen returned to work as a lunchtime supervisor at Elston Hall Primary School, where she stayed until retirement.
Outside of work, Doreen's hobbies filled her days: knitting, sugar craft flowers, sewing soft toys and children's clothes, and gardening. Flower arranging was another favourite, and to this day fresh flowers or a living plant in her room remain her idea of a perfect treat. Among her proudest memories are visiting Buckingham Palace when her daughter received a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, and watching her daughter graduate with an arts degree from Cardiff University.
Asked what has kept her going for a hundred years, Doreen puts it down to clean living and laughter. Her daughter Sue describes her as a wise lady with a positive attitude, a strong Christian faith, and a gift for making every day count.
Doreen's own advice for younger generations is simple: "Treat each day as it comes."
Doreen has lived at Engelberg for nearly three years and says she has been happy from the moment she first walked through the home's stained-glass front door.
"I feel looked after and loved here, and I'm never on my own," she says. She's quick to credit the staff and the home's packed activities calendar: "It's as you make it, everything's there for you to enjoy."
To mark her milestone birthday, Doreen's daughter Sue booked the garden summer house for a celebration with close friends from the home and around ten family members. The afternoon included party games, homemade cakes and biscuits baked by Sue, quiet music, and bunting to mark the occasion. A card from the King also arrived in time for the big day.
About Engelberg Care Home
Engelberg Care Home has been part of the Compton area of Wolverhampton for nearly 60 years, offering residential and respite care for up to 34 residents. The home is known for its warm, homely atmosphere, landscaped gardens, and a packed activities calendar led by two dedicated activities coordinators. Under Home Manager Sally Lloyd, who has been part of the Engelberg team for over seven years, residents are supported to live life to the fullest in a community where, as Doreen puts it, everyone feels looked after and never alone.
Ready to see if Engelberg Care Home is the right fit for you? Get in touch with our friendly team today to book a visit or find out more about life at Engelberg.
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