Residents and the team at Knowle Park Nursing Home in Cranleigh came together this month to celebrate a very special milestone, resident Elizabeth’s 100th birthday.
Born in Krakow, Poland, in September 1925, Elizabeth’s life has been one of courage, resilience, and achievement. Her father was a high-ranking Polish military officer who later became a General. The family moved to Warsaw when she was very young, but her world changed dramatically with the start of the Second World War.
At just 12 years old, Elizabeth and her mother returned to Krakow to live with her grandparents during a time of great hardship. Towards the end of the war, they undertook a dangerous journey across Europe to reunite with her father, who was fighting with the Allied forces in Italy. Despite the risks, they made it safely and began to rebuild their lives.
In 1946, the family moved to the UK. Later that year, Elizabeth met her future husband, Tony, at a Polish army camp near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, where her father was the commanding officer. She fondly recalls that Tony was at first hesitant to court ‘the Colonel’s daughter’. Together, they raised two children, Krysia and Marek, and the family has since grown to include two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Elizabeth had a successful career as a secretary and shorthand typist, an impressive achievement given that English was still a new language to her at the time. She took great pride in her work and enjoyed it immensely.
Now living with sight loss, Elizabeth enjoys spending time in the drawing room at Knowle Park, listening to classical music, particularly the works of Chopin and Strauss.
To mark her 100th birthday, the team at Knowle Park transformed the home’s bistro into a beautifully decorated celebration space. Balloons, bunting, and a special birthday cake set the scene, while a live pianist played some of Elizabeth’s favourite pieces. Special thanks went to Teresa and Mitra from the care team, who ensured every detail was perfect. She was also delighted to receive a birthday card from King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Reflecting on her long life, Elizabeth often says it’s a miracle she’s made it to 100. But with a modest lifestyle, balanced diet, and good genes, both her parents lived into their 90s, it might not be such a surprise after all.
Home Manager Caroline Sears said, “Elizabeth is an amazing lady and is loved by all the team. It is a pleasure to care for her at Knowle Park.”
Knowle Park provides residential and nursing care on a permanent or short stay basis. If you are looking for a care home and want to find out more about our home call freephone 01483617730.
Elizabeth with her father, Kus, in 1987
