100-year-old Marie celebrates special day

Fernbank care home resident Marie Rendell turned 100 on Sunday, celebrating the occasion with a party at Angmering Village Hall.

Her youngest daughter, Jean John, 68, said: “It was lovely. We had all her family there and there were five generations of us, which was wonderful.

“We gave her the best party we could give her. She was able to meet her youngest great-great grand-daughter, who is 99 years and nine months younger than her.”

Mrs Rendell lived in Penfold Road, Worthing, for most of her life.

She held numerous jobs at the same time, including working in service for the gentry, in order to help support her large family of five children.

Mrs John said: “She has had a wonderful life and worked extremely hard. At one point, she had three jobs to keep us all going as with five children, it was hard- going.

“She is a wonderful, warm lady, who loves all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

The birthday party was attended by around 65 adults and their children, who travelled from around the country to attend.

Mrs Rendell received a card from the Queen and a telegram from secretary of state for work and pensions, Iain Duncan-Smith, on the day.