Jean Bruce, of River Walk in Cowbridge, recently celebrated her 100th birthday with family, friends and neighbours.
And those friends and neighbours don’t need to come to Jean, as she does yoga every morning and makes a point of walking to town twice a day.
Longevity is clearly in the family genes, as Jean’s 97-year-old sister, Eileen, made a 400-mile round trip to celebrate the big day.
Jean was born in St Asaph in Denbighshire, the second youngest of six children and lived there until she volunteered for the RAF in World War Two. It was whilst training in Aberystwyth that she met her husband to be, Allan, with whom she celebrated 72 years of marriage.
Jean was demobbed whilst living in the Isle of Man but as a Service Wife she also experienced postings to Germany and Singapore, as well as a number closer to home – including Allan’s final posting to St Athan. With the exception of a short period in Kent, Jean, Allan and their two daughters, Jennie and Belinda, have remained in the area for almost 50 years – in Llantwit, Trerhyngyll and Cowbridge.
Jean taught sewing at Cowbridge Adult Learning for a time and until recently would attend U3A events and join the local walking group. She does yoga every morning and, weather permitting, walks to town twice a day. She enjoys it when people stop to chat with her but struggles a little through deteriorating vision and hearing.
Her daughter Jennie said: “She lives independently in Cowbridge and is very appreciative of the help and assistance she receives from the management and staff in Waitrose – who presented Jean with champagne, flowers and chocolates to recognise her birthday, and from the staff in The Principality, Sylvia Williams Chemists, I G Nicholas Butchers and the talented team in the Physic Garden and Valeways – amongst many others who all go out of their way to help and support her.
“It makes her life so much easier and pleasurable.”
Jean was thrilled to receive her 100th Birthday Card from King Charles, which she will treasure along with the Anniversary Cards she previously received from the Queen.
Jean was joined by her youngest sister Eileen who, although 97 herself, travelled the 400-mile round trip from St Asaph for the weekend to celebrate with Jean.
Jean said: “It is the first time in 100 years it has rained on my birthday, but it didn’t matter…….. I had a wonderful time.”
Celebrations of Jean’s 100th birthday was held on Saturday, 10th June.
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