Mrs Vera Gladman celebrated her 100th birthday at Watermeadow Grange care home in Topsham, surrounded by love and admiration from family, friends, staff and residents.
Vera’s daughters arranged a special afternoon tea for her, during which they shared memories, and Vera proudly displayed her birthday card from His Majesty King Charles III.
Vera is an exceptional lady who enjoyed sequence dancing until the age of 95 and continued driving until 94, only stopping due to the Covid pandemic. As she enjoyed a piece of her home-made cake, baked by Watermeadow Grange’s chef, she said: “I’ve had a wonderful life, and I’m grateful for every moment.”
Born in East Ham, London, in 1925, Vera grew up in Dunton. One of her earliest memories is of her father and uncle buying an old banger when she was just four years old. With no back seat, they placed the bonnet in the car for Vera to perch on, clutching a petrol can in case they ran out of fuel. On one occasion, she was soaked head to toe in petrol and nearly placed in front of the fire to dry off – until her mother intervened just in time. “Otherwise,” Vera laughs, “my story could have been very different!”
She married Arthur in 1946 and they had two daughters, Sue and Liz, who remain her proudest achievement in life. Sadly, Arthur passed away in 1964, leaving Vera to raise her children as a single parent. In 1969, Vera married Geoff, who passed away in 1983. She later shared her life with partners Stan, Ernie, and George, outliving them all. Despite these losses, Vera embraced life with remarkable positivity.
Katherine Stephens, General Manager at Watermeadow Grange, said, “Vera is a shining example of resilience and joy. Her stories, her humour, and her zest for life inspire everyone here at Watermeadow Grange. We feel so honoured to have been able to celebrate this milestone birthday with her.”
Vera shared her motto in life: “You must try. You might not be able to do it, but at least you have tried.” Her advice to younger generations is: “Don’t take other people’s advice. Do the things you want to do, not what others want.”
