Worthing centenarian survived wartime attack on Littlehampton

Jean Mary Higgins remembers clearly the day she was fired at by a German plane in Littlehampton High Street during the Second World War.

She said she threw herself to the ground and covered her head with her hands.

Jean survived and 70 years on, she is still enjoying her life.

She celebrated her 100th birthday at St Mary’s Care Home, in Westbrooke, on Friday, June 12, with banners, cake and a card from the Queen.

Friends and family helped make it an afternoon to remember, despite not being able to visit her properly. Although they were not allowed into the home, and Jean was not allowed out, they were able to wave through the window, give her a cheer and drop off presents and balloons.

Jean was also able to read and respond to emails from friends and family, and use Facebook to chat.

Born Jean Mary Trent in Felixstowe in 1920, she later moved to Littlehampton, married and became Jean Mary Coote. After her first husband died, she later remarried, becoming Jean Mary Higgins, and moved to Milton Keynes for a short while.

Sadly, Jean was widowed again, so she moved to Worthing to be with her family.

Jean has three sons, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

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