Residents and colleagues at Hawthorn Court Care Home in Hebburn are celebrating as much-loved resident Irene Wilson prepares to celebrate her 100th birthday on 16 March and the home is appealing to the local community to help make her milestone extra special with a flood of birthday cards.
Born and raised in Hebburn on Cuthbert Street, Irene (née Hall) grew up as one of six siblings, with four sisters and one brother. She married her husband Edward in 1946, and together they raised two daughters.
Irene began her working life as a nursery teacher before helping out in her brother’s fruit shop in Hebburn. She later worked at Pyrotenax, where she finished her career. Outside of work, Irene has always enjoyed holidays to Jersey and has a passion for singing, dancing, baking cakes and pies, and sewing and crocheting.
When asked her secret to a long life, Irene joked: “A good man and the odd brandy.”
Irene has lived at Hawthorn Court Care Home since 2023 and is affectionately known by colleagues and fellow residents as the home’s resident singer. She loves a good sing-song and often gets the whole dining room joining in.
To celebrate her big day, Irene has asked for a party with her family and friends – and a brandy and lemonade. The home is planning a special celebration with her loved ones and local entertainer Sarah Sinclair.
Home Manager Emma Critchlow-Riley said:
“Irene is such a character and brings so much joy to Hawthorn Court. She loves to sing and always lifts everyone’s spirits. We would love the community to help us celebrate her 100th birthday with as many cards as possible to show her how loved she is.”
The care home is inviting members of the public, local schools, community groups and businesses to send birthday cards to Irene ahead of her special day.
Cards can be sent to:
Irene Wilson
Hawthorn Court Care Home
St Aloysius View
Hebburn
NE31 1RH
Please ensure cards arrive by 11 March 2026.
For more information on Hawthorn Court, please visit:
Hawthorn Court - Care home in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear | HC One.