Hard work, a loving family and enjoying every day you can are this centenarian’s top tips for a long and happy life.
Originally from New Brancepeth, Isabel Offer has lived in a believe housing home in Ushaw Moor, County Durham, for more than 20 years.
The not-for-profit landlord helped her mark her milestone birthday this week with a gift and card delivered by Neighbourhood Officer Dan Bray, who enjoyed hearing about her remarkable life.
Isabel worked overseas with the Army as a young woman while her parents helped raise her son, John Tones.
She supported British troops through NAAFI services, working on military trains and at military locations in Germany, France and the Netherlands. Her duties included serving refreshments, handling cash and currency exchanges, and assisting soldiers during their journeys.
After returning to County Durham, she married Paddy Offer, a charge hand with housebuilding firm Leech Brothers, which employed many local tradespeople at the time.
She worked as a conductress on United Buses and as a travelling saleswoman, taking and delivering homewares and clothing orders for catalogue companies and department stores including Littlewoods, Fitzpatrick’s, Doggarts and Binns.
Later, she worked as a carer until retiring at the age of 86 – supporting people younger than herself to stay well and independent at home.
Today, her family spans six generations, including her son, three grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren and one great-great-great-grandchild.
Relatives travelled from across the UK and Ireland to attend a surprise birthday party at New Brancepeth Club at the weekend.
This was followed by another surprise celebration from the wellbeing group at New Brancepeth Village Hall, which she attends every Monday. Isabel, known to some as “Bingo Bella” because of her love of the game, enjoys refreshments, activities and time with friends at the group, who organised a singer for her big birthday.
Isabel said: “I’ve been working hard all my life, right up until I was 86. Hard work never killed anyone and I’m proof.
“I’ve got a lovely family and the party they held was wonderful. You could hardly move for the crowds of people and my hand nearly dropped off from everyone coming over to hold it.
“My tips for a long life? Hard work, family and enjoying life. I’ve never drunk alcohol – lemonade is my strongest drink. I do smoke, mind, but only puff, I don’t inhale!”
