Susan marks 104 with sound advice
AWOMAN who recently celebrated her 104th birthday has said “hard work and determination” have been the key to her long life. Centenarian Susan Whitehead was surrounded by staff and fellow residents as she marked her milestone birthday in style at the Arcadia Care Home, in Bridgeton, last week.
Due to restrictions on care home visits being lifted, Susan was also able to be joined by one of her daughters, Pauline.
Staff even invited an opera singer along to entertain guests.
Pauline said: “She’s a very determined woman, I think that’s why she’s lived so long.
“She likes her own way.
“Her whole life, she’s worked very, very hard.”
Born in the East End in 1917, Susan has dedicated her life to public service.
During Second World War, she worked for the Navy, Army and Air Forces Institutes (NAAFI) where she met her husband, Jack.
Susan went on to have two daughters, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and even one great-great-grandchild. The family moved around Glasgow before eventually settling in East Kilbride.
More recently, Susan was heavily involved in the town’s Greenhills Parish Church and was recognised for her contribution in an early-day motion put forward by Lisa Cameron MP in 2018 to commemorate her 101st birthday.
Susan also volunteered at a local primary school, helping children with additonal support needs.
Pauline said: “She was going round the old folks’ homes singing and I used to laugh because she was older than they were! Her and a friend used to dress up as Fran and Anna – they were quite a pair.
“They used to get dressed up in all of these Easter bonnets and every year the two of them would come up with all of these ridiculous costumes.”
Pauline added: “Everything to keep her hands busy.
“She was one of these people who couldn’t sit on her backside for two minutes.”