100 REASONS FOR NANCY TO CELEBRATE
The family of Nancy Rooks have helped her to celebrate turning 100 .
Born on January 4, 1921, Nancy Rooks, from Grindon, has marked her 100th birthday with her family, despite the Covid-19 pandemic meaning they couldn’t have a big celebration.
Her daughters, Brenda and Jean, along with her grand son Steve and great-g rand da ugh ter Daisy-Mai had isolated so they could spend a small amount of time with Nancy on her big day.
It was also the first time in almost a year that Nancy had seen Daisy-Mai, making the special day even better for her.
Her daughter Brenda Cunningham, from Fatfield in Washington, said the family were delighted to be able celebrate the occasion.
The 66- year-old said: “Normally we would have had a get together and taken mum out for the day but unfortunately we have had to do very little.
"She has had floods of flowers and birthday cards, I think her highlight has been receiving her card from the Queen.
"Mum was really excited to see Daisy. The last time she saw her, Daisy could only crawl and now she is up and running around.
"The celebrations are on hold for now but we will make up for it when we can.”
During the Second World War, Nancy worked in a munitions factory where she helped to build Lancaster bombers, something which Brenda says she still remembers fondly.
Brenda added :“She is very proud of the work that she did during the war when she was working on the Lancaster bombers and she is always telling everyone about it.
"A few years ago, my son bought her a canvas artwork print of the plane and it is her prize possession.”
Shortly after the war, Nancy married Edward Rooks on July 6, 1946, and the couple went on to have four children, along with opening a fish and chip shop on Beach Street.
Sadly, Nancy wasw idowed at the age of 50 and has been on her own ever since, however her family have always been there to support her.
In December, Nancy was given an early birthday present as she became one of the first in the city to receive the Covid vaccine.