FROM kings being crowned to empires falling and phones going wireless, Barbara Eve has seen it all – and, last week, she added another chapter to her remarkable life story as she celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by joy, balloons, and more than 40 loved ones from across Britain.
Family members travelled from areas ranging from Southampton to Blackpool to mark the special occasion, joining Barbara’s fellow residents and carers at St Joseph’s Nursing Home for an afternoon of tea, laughter and memories.
The walls were decorated with snapshots of Barbara’s extraordinary life – one that spans a world war, the birth of the computer, and even a global pandemic.
Among the guests were the Lieutenant Governor, Vice Admiral Jeremy Kyd, and his wife Karen, who presented Barbara with the traditional birthday card from Buckingham Palace on behalf of the King.
Robert Eve, one of Barbara’s six children, told the JEP that his mother “had an absolutely fantastic day”.
He was full of praise for the St Joseph’s staff, who he said had gone “way over the call of duty” to make the day special.
“They were absolutely phenomenal,” he added. “They couldn’t have done any more.”
Mr Eve, who is 69 years old, said that the family remain “continuously amazed” at how well his mother continues to live as she embarks on her eleventh decade.
Though her hearing and sight aren’t what they once were, he explained that Barbara is still visited by family every day – and continues to find great joy in one of her oldest passions, which he suspects may be one of the secrets to her long life.
“She loves the garden at St Joseph’s,” he said. “She’s always been an outdoor person.”
