Two residents at our Linden House Care Home in Epsom recently celebrated a remarkable milestone, each turning 100 years old. Surrounded by their loved ones, fellow residents, and the devoted team at the care home, Edith Valerie Griffiths, fondly known as Val, and Evelyn Houseman enjoyed a memorable birthday celebration.
Val and Evelyn, who have both led active and fulfilling lives, shared their centenary birthdays with close friends and family during an intimate gathering. The occasion was marked by joy and warmth as everyone came together to celebrate their incredible achievements.
Val, originally from Richmond, Surrey, had a busy childhood, often relocating due to her father’s job. Despite the frequent moves, she developed a passion for sports, excelling in tennis, table tennis, ice skating, and skiing. During World War II, Val was evacuated to Berkhamsted but returned to London a year later. She married at 33 and became the proud mother of three sons, later welcoming three grandchildren into her life.
Evelyn, who has spent her entire life in Epsom, is well-known for her knitting skills and her keen sense of fashion. Having worked as a seamstress, she takes pride in the jumpers she still knits and wears today. Evelyn has always had a deep love for music and dancing, and when Linden House hosts live performances, she is always the first to get up and dance.
Val’s long and happy life, according to her family, can be attributed to maintaining a balanced diet and drinking very little alcohol. They believe that moderation has been key, along with her good genes, in reaching this incredible age.
Josephine Gbadamosi, the manager at Linden House, expressed her delight: “Celebrating Val and Evelyn’s 100th birthdays has been a wonderful experience for everyone at Linden House.”
She continued, “These incredible women have lived rich, full lives, and their stories continue to inspire us all. It’s a privilege to have them as part of our community, and we look forward to creating many more happy memories together.”
The celebration was a testament to the vibrant lives both Val and Evelyn have led, and their milestone birthdays are a source of inspiration for all at Linden House.
