Windsor centenarian says secret to long life is to 'work hard and be happy'

A resident at a Windsor care home celebrated her 100th birthday in style, with a surprise appearance from the mayor.

Cecilia Gabriah, who lives at Queen’s Court on Dedworth Road, celebrated the milestone surrounded by her closest friends and family.

When asked what the secret to living a long and happy life was, Cecilia said: “Work hard and be happy.”

Cecilia was born on July 16 1925, in Donegal, Ireland, where she worked in a shirt factory and later in a cinema.

In 1952, she moved to the UK, where she worked on the Slough trading estate for Johnson & Johnson before working as a dinner lady at Vichures School during the 1970s.

Cecilia has three sons, Julian, Jimmy, and Johnny, and seven grandchildren who visit her regularly at home.

In her spare time, Cecilia loved to read, listen to Terry Wogan’s segments on BBC Radio 2, and watch her favourite TV series, Steptoe and Son.

On her 100th birthday, there was live entertainment from Gabby and Gerry and an appearance from RBWM mayor Cllr Mandy Kaur Brar.

The team made the day more special by decorating with balloons and banners, and having the head chef prepare a cake.

Home manager Bozena Szczepaniak said: “It was wonderful to watch Cecilia celebrate her newly cemented centenarian status surrounded by her friends and family.

"It was lovely to watch everyone in such high spirits as they enjoyed cake and a glass of bubbly.

“We love to celebrate incredible milestones, and Cecilia’s birthday was no exception. It was great to hear her take a trip down memory lane.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Councillor Mandy Kaur Brar and Hayley & Gerry for joining us and making the day extra special.”