Family comes together for Elsie's 100th party
Relatives from across the county joined the centenarian at Culm Valley Care Home for an unforgettable celebration.
And Lynne Morris, receptionist at the Gravel Walk home, said the occasion would definitely be remembered by everyone involved.
"Elsie was on fine form," she said. "It was a big family gathering and she received her telegram from the Queen, which she was absolutely thrilled about.
"All our other residents also enjoyed the party, but it was particularly lovely for Elsie to have all her family around her," she added.
Elsie was born in Rackenford on Saturday, September 27, 1908, and was one of seven children. She had five sisters and one brother and is described by her family as "good humoured and generous."
Elsie attended Rackenford and Witheridge schools until she was 12 when she moved to Church Terrace, Silverton, to look after her blind aunt, Eliza Isaac.
Elsie married John Brady in 1926 who worked at Silverton paper mill. The couple lived in a small cottage at High Bullen and they had four children.
They moved to Livingshayes Road for 72 years and her husband died in 1971 at 73.
At the age of 96, Elsie suffered from a number of mini strokes, which led to her having falls and losing the use of her legs. She was admitted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and was transferred to Tiverton before she was accepted by Culm Valley Care Home in 2005.
Lynne said: "She is quite a character. Although she has had strokes, she still has her wits about her and likes to tell us about her upbringing and childhood.
"Her family brought an album of her life which was interesting because I have not met her entire family until now. They were really appreciative that the care home could hold the party. The children were running around the home with their balloons, which the other residents loved. It was just a great family fun day for everyone."
Elsie has eight grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and nine great, great grandchildren.
Relatives say Elsie has always been willing to help friends and family and they are happy staff are making her feel so settled there.
Elsie Brady celebrates her 100th birthday with the help of her family and a card from the Queen Jenny Steer
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