Care home resident Jean Mathieson celebrated her 100th birthday celebrations last weekend – with a lockdown party with a difference.
All Jean wanted was to go out for afternoon tea – her perfect birthday outing. Thanks to Franco’s, a popular Carnoustie café, and the staff at Balhousie Willowbank care home, instead of Jean going out, the party came to her.
Franco’s café donated homemade scones and custom cupcakes while Willowbank’s kitchen staff provided sandwiches, sausage rolls and a birthday cake. In attendance were family members, who celebrated on the patio outside, and of course Jean’s family during lockdown – Balhousie Care staff.
Jan Robertson, Home Manager at Balhousie Willowbank in Carnoustie, said:
“Jean usually loves a trip to Dobbie’s garden centre to the cafe and to see the plants. We weren’t going to stop the lockdown from making Jean’s 100th birthday a very special occasion. So with a little local community help, we were able to bring the party to her. A huge thanks must go to Franco’s for providing scones and cakes to make this happen. Happy Birthday Jean!”
Jean was born in Kirriemuir on May 17, 1920. An only child, she spent time in the Wrens during World War II. She and husband Francis, who met whilst both working at Stracathro Hospital, were married for 39 years and had two sons and a daughter.
Son Gordon, who attended the party along with his brother Neil, wife Linda and children Laura and Andrew, said: “I think she really enjoyed it and we had a great time too. My granny lived to 90-odd and so did my great granny so clearly it runs in the family!”
