Norwich Care Home Centenarian Celebrates Milestone Birthday

A resident at Hillcrest care home in Norwich has marked her 100th birthday in style with a guard of honour and a family celebration.

Ruby Baker visited her family to enjoy a small tea party and as she left the home for her visit, staff sent her on her way outside, chapping and cheering while playing Stevie Wonder’s ‘Happy Birthday to Ya’.

Ruby has four children, son Stephen and daughters Susan, Elizabeth and Julie. Her wider family includes four granddaughters and eight grandsons. Ruby was married to husband, Chris Baker, for more than 60 years. They lived happily together at Hillcrest care home until he sadly passed in 2013, on Ruby’s birthday.

Ruby was a tailor for many years and also worked in a boat factory, clothing factory and as a cleaner.

Ruby said: “I had a wonderful time celebrating my birthday with my family, and it was great to be greeted by the staff forming a guard of honour as I left for the day.

“My secret to a long and healthy life is self-discipline, self-will, determination and faith in myself!”

Amy Parker, home manager at Hillcrest care home, said: “Ruby has a great personality and is very kind to others. She is known as the ‘Queen of Hillcrest’ and will always join in with any activity and will never let her age get in the way.

“We are delighted to have been able to celebrate such a special day with Ruby and we look forward to celebrating future birthdays with her here at Hillcrest care home.”