A 103 year-old WWII heroine has revealed to the Daily Express her secret to living a long and happy life ….never get married!
Kathleen “Kath” Sexton celebrated her 103rd birthday on 7th November with family, residents, and team members at Care UK’s Snowdrop House care home in Ware, Hertfordshire.
During World War Two when living in Enfield, north London, she served for four-and-a-half years in the National Fire Service from the age 20, helping crews tackling the Luftwaffe’s devastating blitz on the capital.
All through her working life, whether at a surveyors Chancery Lane or at a brewery in Brick Lane, Kath never married – instead enjoying holidays with her sister Winnie or doting on her cousin’s children.
Now as she celebrated turning 103, the pet lover has revealed to us her secret to staying youthful at heart – the fact she never tied the knot.
Kath quipped: “There were no romances. No one took my fancy to be honest!
“l never worried about being married, me and my sister never married. We loved the freedom of going on holidays, and to the theatre etc.
“My advice would be – Don’t get married unless you’re sure. I’ve had a great life with no worries. I have lots of friends. Enjoy life, stay sober, and take lots of walks in the fresh air.
“Family is important to me and my cousin’s children are a huge part of my life. I’ve never had children.
“Instead I’ve been a ‘pet mum’ to cocker spaniels, Tony and Queenie, a Yorkshire Terrier called Bonzo, a cat named Fluff and tortoises, Tommy and Paddy.
“Now my I’m ready to share my secret to living a long life …never marrying! I loved the freedom of being able to travel and going to the theatre with my sister Winnie.
“Turning 103? Well, I think good fortune and good health have also helped me get there too.”
Kath was born in South Tottenham and moved to Palmers Green, Enfield, when she was 14 where she studied at Pitman’s College.
In 1941, Kath began working at the Halifax Building Society in Edmonton before being conscripted to the National Fire Service at age 20, where she served for four and half years during World War Two.
After WWII, Kath worked at Weatherall Green and Smith Chartered Surveyors on Chancery Lane for nine years before moving to Truman, Hanbury, Buxton and Co Brewery in Brick Lane until she retired in 1981, aged 60.
Kath spent many happy years travelling with her late sister Winnie, who was six years older.
Their adventures included a boat trip along The Rhine and a train journey from Switzerland to Germany to watch The Oberammergau Passion Play, a large-scale production held every 10 years that tells the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
She told us: “l began working at the Halifax as a shorthand typist when I was sixteen after being at Pitmans college.
“I was younger so sent my days mostly doing the tedious jobs such as putting stamps on envelopes and filing.
“I was conscripted to the fire service as I was in the right age bracket. l trained at Cholmeley Park, in Highgate, and I was trained to use a hose, and I was very good at it!
“Winnie and I started holidaying when I turned 18, We went on amazing holidays together. My favourite place to visit was Switzerland, I loved Switzerland.”
To help make Kath’s birthday one to remember, her care home team threw her a special “this is your life” themed party at the home where her former college friends and co-workers sent cards, flowers, and video messages.
Kath was also surprised with a visit from a co-worker from Truman’s Brewery, as well as a performance by 50s and 60s entertainer Jonny Parish.
The celebration concluded with a birthday cake baked by the home’s talented Head Chef, and a visit from Hertford Fire Station.
Kath added: “It was such a super surprise, I felt spoiled with all the presents and beautiful flowers and cards – it really was a birthday to remember.
“l had an amazing time at my party, it was very well organized, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and was really spoilt.
“When I moved to Snowdrop if I’m being honest, I was not sure, but the people here are so kind and considerate, and I am the kind of person who gets on with everyone and now I am really happy and I like being with other people.”
Clare Crow, Home Manager at Snowdrop House said: “We love to throw a party for special occasions at Snowdrop House – and Kath’s 103rd birthday certainly called for a huge celebration!
“Kath is always putting a smile on our faces and enjoys a party, so the team knew we had to make her birthday truly one to remember.
“It was wonderful to see her surrounded by all her loved ones to mark such an incredible milestone and we’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who came along to raise a glass to Kath.”