Centenarian Iris celebrates 102 years of life and love
Surrounded by family and friends, Iris Collocott celebrated her 102nd birthday with gratitude, love and a remarkable zest for life.
FOR every year that comes around it’s a blessing for centenarian Iris Collocott who celebrated her 102nd birthday on Sunday, October 11.
The Birdsongs Care Home resident celebrated her special day surrounded by friends and family, some of whom had travelled from as far as the UK to be part of the milestone celebration.
Sharp and still very much up to date with current affairs, Collocott said she felt blessed to have reached the age of 102 and to be able to celebrate with those closest to her.
“I never thought that I would get to this age, and each year I think that I will not make it to the next but here we are,” said Collocott. “It is a blessing to be here with everyone. I don’t honestly hate being this age.”
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Collocott was born on October 11, 1924, the eldest of six siblings – the other five have died. She and her late husband, Edwin Reginald Collocott, had a daughter, Dee Boucher, and a son, Mervyn Collocott, who died.
Speaking at the birthday celebration, her grandson Garth said Collocott continued to stand the test of time and prove people wrong.
His sentiments were echoed by Boucher, who travelled from London to celebrate her mother’s special day. Boucher said her mother’s resilience and strength were among the qualities she admired most.
“We are so appreciative that you are still around and I struggle to imagine a day without you around. So keep going, we love you,” he said.
“I honestly don’t know where she gets it from,” laughed Boucher. “She is so strong and resilient. She is amazing and keeps surprising us all. She stands up for herself, never gives up and is very determined.”
Touched by her family’s love and words of encouragement, Collocott said their support helped keep her going and gave her something to look forward to each day.
“I appreciate it more at this age,” she said. “As I’ve grown older, I’ve realised there were many things in the past that I should have appreciated more. But you must be content with what you have.”
For Collocott, the secret to reaching 102 lies in the love and support of those around her, as well as keeping her mind sharp by reading and following current affairs.
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