Blackpool Care Home Hosts Celebrations For Centenarian’s Birthday
Gilwood Lodge nursing home commemorated a resident’s 100th birthday with close family and friends, in a special centenarian celebration.
Rita Malloch’s family and friends gathered at Blackpool-based, Gilwood Lodge, for a memorable occasion to mark the landmark birthday, for which she received a royal letter from the Queen.
Rita was joined by many loved ones, including her sister, Kathleen Milakovic, who travelled from Canada to attend the special birthday party, her cousins, friends, her five children and their families.
Gilwood Lodge and Rita’s family created a fantastic gathering to celebrate the milestone birthday. Pauline Kelly, Rita’s daughter, organised some personal touches, including for photographs of Rita in her youth to be displayed, together with balloons and cake.
Rita is a former nurse, working for 22 years at Our Lady of Compassion Hospital in Preston New Road, Blackburn. She moved to Blackpool when she was 82 and has lived at Gilwood Lodge nursing home for two years.
Pauline recently discovered a suitcase containing documents from throughout her Mum’s life, including an excellent handwritten reference from the Sacred Heart School in Blackpool, her marriage certificate from 1940 and her nursing qualifications.
Claire Ellwood, Home Manager at Gilwood Lodge nursing home said: “I’m so grateful of the staff for all their hard work to bring together this special day for Rita.
“It is always important to mark these milestones and celebrate as a community when we can. Rita is loved dearly by everyone here and we were delighted her family shared her special day with us.”
Rita’s daughter, Pauline Kelly said: “It was a fantastic day for Mum’s birthday, celebrating her reaching 100 years of her wonderful, healthy life. It was a great family and friends reunion.
“Gilwood Lodge made the day extra special with their enthusiasm and generosity, providing a huge spread of food with a delicious cake that went around all the residents and guest!
“It could not have been a better day; it was lovely to see Mum happy and enjoying herself.”
