Valerie Pithey turns 100 with a celebration at St Guthlac’s in Market Deeping
A centenarian with ‘good genes’ made the most of her milestone birthday with multiple celebrations.
Valerie Pithey turned 100 on Tuesday (March 5) having already celebrated twice with her family and fellow churchgoers at the weekend.
On the big day itself she enjoyed her regular weekly lunch at The Deepings Methodist Church in Deeping St James.
Valerie was born in Peterborough and met her future husband Nigel in Wisbech when she was 16. He was a pilot in the Fleet Air Arm and later joined the police force. Valerie had a number of part-time jobs but became a stay-at-home mum once their son Robin was born.
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Now 71, Robin said: “She has always been a family mum. She loved to cook and look after me.”
Nigel died six years ago but Valerie continues to live independently in the family home in Market Deeping. Robin lives just a few doors away while his son Christopher runs Linford’s Fish and Chips in the town. Valerie is also great-grandmother to 11-month-old Oscar.
The family gathered with Valerie at the weekend to celebrate her birthday and she also received gifts from the congregation at St Guthlac’s Church.
Robin believes his mum’s secret to a long life is genetic.
“We’ve been in touch with a few family members and discovered that mum’s aunt lived to 101 and two great aunts both lived to more than 100, so it’s in the blood,” he said.
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