Croft Lodge Care Home, Teignmouth, Celebrates 100 Remarkable Years of Resident Kathy’s Life and Legacy
Croft Lodge, part of Centrum Care Homes Group, was honoured to celebrate the 100th birthday of one of its most beloved residents, Mrs Ethel Mould - known fondly as Kathy - with a heartfelt party filled with music, food and family.
The celebration brought together Kathy’s loved ones from across the country, with relatives travelling from far and wide to mark the milestone. Team members, residents and guests gathered in the sunlit lounge at Croft Lodge, which was transformed for the occasion with live music, a delicious buffet and a stunning birthday cake fit for the inspiring centenarian.
Kathy, who served in the Women’s Land Army during World War II, is known at Croft Lodge for her kindness, wit and wonderful stories. Following the war, she dedicated her working life to caring for others as a healthcare assistant in hospital settings. Her strong spirit, adventurous heart and life of service made her birthday celebration one to remember.
Speaking about her love for travel and cars, Kathy smiled and said:
“I used to love to drive fast in my red Jag, with the wind in my hair - but you can’t do that these days!”
Kathy’s family described the day as “very special,” thanking the team at Croft Lodge for going above and beyond. One relative shared:
“You are all family - your interactions with all your residents are priceless. You can’t buy that. Keep up the good work.”
Another said:
“Sharon and her team put on a great do for her, and all her family who managed to attend were made to feel very welcome. I highly recommend Croft Lodge to anyone looking for a care home for their relatives and friends.”
A highlight of the afternoon was a performance by a live singer, with residents singing along, dancing and enjoying the music together. A photo display of Kathy’s incredible life captured moments from her time in the Land Army, her career in healthcare, and her travels abroad with her husband Tony - including a particularly memorable trip to Australia.
When asked what advice she would give to younger generations, Kathy simply said:
“Just be kind to everyone - it goes a long way.”
Sharon Jerwood, Registered Manager at Croft Lodge, said:
“Kathy is an absolute treasure and a huge part of our Croft Lodge family. It was a real privilege to celebrate her 100th birthday. The warmth, love and laughter in the room was everything we could have hoped for. Kathy’s life story is full of strength, compassion and adventure, and we wanted to honour that in a way that felt truly special. We’re so grateful to her family for joining us, and to the team here who made it a day to remember.”
Kathy has lived at Croft Lodge for nearly three years and remains an important and much-loved member of the community. The care team continue to support her in living well, drawing on her passions for storytelling, conversation and connection to create joyful moments every day.