'Determined' lady toasts 100th birthday today (From Enfield Independent)

'Determined' lady toasts 100th birthday today in Anastasia Care Home

5:40pm Friday 12th October 2012 in News By Jaber Mohamed

A pensioner described as “determined” is celebrating her 100th birthday today.

May Richards who has no children, now lives in Anastasia Care Home in Arundel Gardens in Winchmore Hill where she will be celebrating her special day.

Mrs Richards, who grew up in Southgate, will be having a party with fellow residents and good friend Lin Norman, 66, who has known Mrs Maud for 46 years. 

Mrs Norman said: “May is a very determined lady, you can’t make her do anything she doesn’t want to.

“I have worked with her since I was 20 and she is really good, very easy to work for.”

“Today we will be celebrating with cake and all the rest of it”

Mrs Richards moved to Barnet when she got married to her husband Fred, who ran a central heating business.

Her husband died of a heart attack at 50 but she stayed in Barnet until she was 80 years old.

Mrs Richards has received her letter from the Queen for her 100th birthday but hasn’t opened it yet, she’s waiting to open it during her party.

Mrs Norman added: “May has always lived life to the full and just enjoyed herself.

“Her advice for living a long life is just enjoy yourself.”

Norma Dimaiwat, manager of the home in Arundel Gardens, spoke fondly of the birthday girl who been with them since 2001.

She said: “She is a very quiet lady.

“She eats on her own and is very firm on what she wants.”

“She always wants to be dressed nicely in a very dignified way.”