Pensioner described as "like a film star" celebrates 101st birthday (From Haringey Independent)

Muswell Hill pensioner described as "like a film star" celebrates 101st birthday

9:40am Friday 28th September 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

A stylish pensioner described as looking “like a film star” is celebrating her 101st birthday today.

Doris Jackson, who grew up in Muswell Hill, moved to Anastasia Care Home in Winchmore Hill a year-and-a-half ago.

She is spending her day with fellow residents today before raising a glass with her niece and nephew on Sunday, who are her next of kin.

She believes the secret to a long life is “plenty of fresh air and a little exercise, but not too much.”

Her niece Patricia Diss, who lives in Barnet, said: “She is very independent, that is the main thing. She is good fun, she is very strong and very determined.

“I remember her for her style, she was so stylish. She worked and had the money to buy beautiful clothes – she was just stunning, very attractive like a film star.

“As a child, I can remember being totally in awe of her clothes and the way she looked – her whole demeanour. She was a follower of fashion - that’s my memory.”

Mrs Jackson, who married her “handsome” soldier George in 1941, spent her entire career working for the Ministry of Pensions in the Civil Service before she retired aged 55.

She moved to Ibiza with a group of work colleagues, where she spent 20 years before returning to Alexandra Park Road in Muswell Hill after they died.

The 101-year-old, who did not have children, was passionate about fighting for women to be given the right to vote, and her greatest hobby was ballroom dancing.

Mrs Jackson, who was thrilled to receive a letter from the Queen on her 100th birthday, said: “I have had a wonderful day. We have had a party, it was very nice – I had a lovely time.”

Norma Dimaiwat, manager of the home in Arundel Gardens, spoke fondly of the birthday girl.

She said: “She is a very cheerful and social woman. She likes her lipsticks and make up and she wants to be dressed properly every day.

“She is very fashionable; her niece is always buying her clothes and she always wants to put on her face powder and lipsticks.”