Heckmondwike's Joan Copley marks 100th birthday at care home

Joan Copley was surrounded by family, friends and cherished care workers during the special birthday celebration at Priestley Care Home, Birstall.

She has two daughters, five grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. 

Her daughter, Lesley Harrison, told the Telegraph & Argus: “She once said, when she was pregnant with me she didn’t feel well and she went to the doctors and the doctors recommended having a Guinness every night. She had a Guinness every night, she once said that poor doctor died and they’ve never took her off it!

“We had a bit of a toast with prosecco but she didn’t like it. She likes her Guinness.”

Joan Copley, pictured right, and her 100th birthday cake - right - featuring 'Joan' drinking a pint of Guinness (Image: UGC)

Reflecting on her birthday, Joan said: “It has been lovely, all the family coming to see me. We have enjoyed the music and chatting to everyone.”

Joan’s early years were shaped by long walks to school in wind, rain, and snow.

“She had to walk back back at lunchtime for her lunch and back to school, back home,” said Lesley.

Joan in her younger years (Image: UGC)

“It was a hard life. It was just after the war, but she survived it. She did pretty well at school. She left school at 14, she wanted to be a hairdresser but that’s when the Second World War started.

“Because everybody had to work for the country, the war effort, she had to go and be a conductress on the buses. She did that all the war. 

“She used to have to walk to the depot on a morning. There was not much street lighting. It must have been a bit frightening. It was just accepted and they did it. They were calmer days.”

Lesley added: “My dad was in the navy. She used to see him when he came home. When he was demobbed they got married in 1948.”

Joan, pictured (Image: UGC)

Joan and her late husband, Jim Copley, shared many happy years together. They raised their two children in Heckmondwike.

Joan enjoyed a lengthy career at Heckmondwike Co-Op and worked in the furniture department.

But in a tragic turn of events, Jim suddenly passed away at the age of 62.

“He was a good man, my dad,” said Lesley.

“It was a great shock. It took her a while to get over it. You don’t ever forget.”

Joan used to love visiting Blackpool’s famous Tower Ballroom with her sister.

She was drawn to ballroom dancing but had always enjoyed music. She is a fan of The Beatles and Elvis Presley.

Joan’s passion for travelling saw her visit America with her sister and friends.

Joan celebrates her 100th birthday (Image: UGC)

Joan lived alone until last June before moving into a care home.

“She’s been very resourceful and determined,” said her daughter.

Joan turned 100 on Friday, April 19, and celebrated with a party at the home the following day.

“It was just lovely,” Lesley said.

“All the staff were there dancing.”