IT was the 100th birthday her family never thought she would see.
When Dot Wallis went into Little Heath Care Home in Cadbury Heath last June for two weeks’ respite, she was considered to be in need of end-of-life care.
But her health improved and she was able to celebrate her centenary on February 8 with her family and her new friends at the Brunelcare home, where she is now a permanent resident.
Dot, who was born in 1926, the same year as the late Queen Elizabeth, was a primary school teacher, working at The Meadows in Bitton in the late 1960s and early 1970s before moving away for her husband’s job. The couple were married for 70 years.
Dot moved back to Bitton in 1921 to live with daughter Julia and son-in-law Paul. She is a proud great-grandmother to three great-grandchildren aged 17, 13 and eight.
Julia said: “Last March I never thought we would be celebrating Mum’s 100th birthday. The carers at Little Heath are absolutely amazing and really go above and beyond. They organised the entire party; we can’t thank them enough.
“Mum is the most selfless woman you will ever meet, so kind, caring and loving, and always thinking about others. I truly believe this is one of the main reasons she’s lived so long. She was always active and healthy, and that has helped too. I’ve lost count though of the number of neighbours, family and homeless people she has helped and fed when going through hard times.”
Ruth Easton, homemaker at Little Heath, said: “It is an absolute joy to care for Dot. We had the most special time celebrating with her, bringing residents, families and staff together to celebrate such a milestone and a life so well lived.”