Hard work is the secret to long life for glamorous Johanna on her 100th birthday
Hard work is the key to long life according to a former fashion model who celebrated her 100th birthday at Bramley Court.
Hard work is the key to long life according to a former fashion model who celebrated her 100th birthday at Bramley Court.
Johanna Summerfield’s career took her across Europe in her 20s and, still having a key eye for fashion, she celebrated becoming a centenarian in a designer outfit for lunch with her family.
The team at the community focused, 72-bed care home on Chivers Way, presented Johanna with a thoughtful music box that plays “You Are My Sunshine.”
“We knew that this was a song Johanna’s late husband would sing to her every night when he came home from work,” said lifestyle coordinator Carol Morgan. “It seemed the perfect gift!”
Johanna has been a resident at the home, which provides high quality residential, nursing and dementia care since 2017 and the team went above and beyond to ensure she had a special birthday.
Johanna was joined by two of her three children, grandchildren and other family members for a buffet in the home’s private dining room where they enjoyed a chocolate cake baked by the home’s chef.
“It was wonderful to receive the telegram and celebrate the day with my family who are so important to me,” said Johanna.
“I have always believed in the power of hard work every day is the secret to a long happy life.”
Johanna’s grandfather was the head gamekeeper at Sandringham and she met Queen Elizabeth II when her father also worked there so it was a special moment for Johanna to receive her royal telegram on her landmark birthday.
Her modelling career took off when she worked for a clothing retailer in Fakenham. She still owns a number of designer pieces and loves picking out her outfits and jewellery for the day.
Daughter Rhona added: “Mum is very lucky to be at Bramley Court where she is loved so much and has so many friends.”
Care home manager, Judith Wroe, added: “Johanna’s infectious zest for life has a huge impact on everyone around her and brings a sense of joy to our home.
“We were all delighted to share this landmark occasion with Johanna. She was delighted to receive her special telegram which made her day. We were so happy that she was able to spend time with her family who are all so important to her.”
