Catherine North, known as Kitty, celebrated her 104th birthday with a garden party at Bede House care home in Sunderland, where she lives. The event included balloons, banners, champagne, and cupcakes, and featured an entertainer.
Kitty was joined by her family, including her son David, 75, who also resides at the same care home. Joanne Stainbank, unit manager at the care home, told ChronicleLive: "We had a lovely garden party for her 104th birthday and we had an entertainer on. She had her family around and she thoroughly enjoyed herself."
A Life of Milestones
Born in Sunderland on August 12, 1922, Kitty has lived through World War II, the launch of the NHS, the first moon landing, and the coronavirus pandemic. She has seen five monarchs on the throne and 23 Prime Ministers at 10 Downing Street.
Kitty left school at 14, married her husband Bob at 21, and had two children, David and Ann. Bob served in the Royal Navy for five years, during which she went four years without seeing him. She worked as a tailor at Dewhurst, making suit jackets for Marks and Spencer, and retired at 52. Her husband later became a postmaster for 20 years before passing away.
Still Independent and Thriving
Joanne praised Kitty's independence and vitality: "You wouldn't think she was 104! She's still independent. She walks around with her zimmer (frame) and she can still help to get herself dressed. She's amazing for her age."
Kitty has also successfully battled breast cancer. Joanne added: "She's very fit for 104. She's still very mobile. She's still got her memory, she's so bright. She's a lovely lady. She loves her cooked breakfast in the morning then she might have a lighter lunch and then her tea. She absolutely loves a bubble bath. She gets her hair done off the hairdresser as they come in weekly. She likes to be pampered!"
Close Bond with Son David
Kitty, who still likes to dress smartly and put on her make-up, now spends her days with her son David. Joanne said: "David is with us as well. They will sit together in the same room during the day and watch the telly. Kitty usually has her breakfast in the morning in her room then she goes into David's room and sits with him during the day and then goes back into her room at night time. They're very close."
Kitty received flowers as a gift on her 104th birthday.
