“Surround yourself with people who make you smile,” advises centenarian resident on International Women’s Day

Above: Resident Kitty celebrates her 100th birthday at Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, in Braintree, Essex. 

Centenarian care home resident, Kitty Ockendon, has shared her life advice with women to celebrate International Women’s Day:

Enjoy yourself; that is the most important thing.

Kitty turned 100 on 15th January at Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, in Braintree, Essex. Reflecting on her life and giving a piece of advice, she says:

Life is meant to be lived, so live it, but do be careful along the way.

Kitty was born and raised in Standford-le-Hope, in Essex. She lived with her parents and was the youngest of five siblings. Kitty recalls having a happy childhood and being close to her family.

Resident Kitty Ockendon enjoys painting with two-year-old Teddy Dowell as part of a regular intergenerational activity to connect care home residents with their local community.

At the age of 14, Kitty left school and headed for London, where she taught herself shorthand. When World War II started, Kitty worked at the Thames Board Mills, in Purfleet, after the company she had previously worked for was bombed. She says:

I remember the sirens going off and having to run down a load of stairs to go underground.

Kitty was part of the Girls Friendly Society and would serve tea and cakes to soldiers every Saturday during the war. She loved being part of the group and felt very proud. She was also an active member at her local church. She says:

My faith is still very important to me.

Later, Kitty married her husband, Richard, who was a pilot during the war and received his ‘wings’ at the age of 19.

Resident Kitty enjoys a close encounter with an ex-racehorse during a horse visit to Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court.

Nowadays, Kitty is a well-loved character around her care home, Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, and enjoys taking part in various activities. She encourages younger generations to:

Always be truthful. No matter what, you must be truthful because that’s all that matters and it is the way of life.

[Summary: Kitty Ockendon is 100 years old. She lives at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, in Braintree, Essex. Reflecting on her life on International Women’s Day, she says: “Enjoy yourself; that is the most important thing. Life is meant to be lived, so live it, but do be careful along the way.”]