The family of a woman who has died aged 103 have paid tribute to a Wiltshire care home which looked after her and residents who sent birthday cards.
Una Wood-Hopps died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, May 17 just three months after celebrating her birthday at the BUPA Trowbridge Oaks Care Home.
She turned 103 on February 23 and said at the time that she found it “strange” that she had lived so long.
Her granddaughter Christina Wood-Hopps, who lives in Trowbridge, said: “I would like to thank all of you across this beautiful town who showed up for Una by sending her birthday cards to celebrate her birthdays over the past few years, those who helped her feel as special as she was, and those who celebrated with us whether in person or online.
“Knowing that there has been such a big community full of love surrounding Una and her incredible life and milestones has meant so much to our whole family and we know meant the world to Una.
“We can’t thank you all enough and, of course, none of it would have been possible without Trowbridge Oaks being as amazing as they are.
“To all the staff at Trowbridge Oaks, our whole family would love to thank you for every single thing you’ve done to make Una feel special, for caring so well for her, learning about her life and being instrumental in her enjoying her last few years even through a pandemic.
“We are forever grateful for all that you do and have done for not only our family but for families across Trowbridge. We are all so grateful for the kindness of the people in this town.”
Una’s daughter, Annabel Mckeon, who lives in Ireland, said: "As a family we were extremely touched by the many heart-felt comments of the staff at Trowbridge Oaks.
"It has brought us comfort knowing that Una has touched so many lives during her time there and we are extremely grateful to everyone at Trowbridge Oaks for their kindness and excellent care."
Born in London in 1920, Una worked for the Ministry of Supply throughout World War II – a government department formed in 1939 to co-ordinate the supply of equipment to all three British armed forces.
Based in the iconic Shell Mex House on The Strand, Una helped with top-secret tasks that were instrumental in providing urgent supplies to the troops on the front line.
Following the war, Una worked as a live-in nanny before marrying her husband, Jack, in 1960 and adopting her two children, Shaun, 59, and Annabel, 58.
Una and Jack were married for 50 years before he died aged 102 in 2009 and Una moved from the Salcombe area of Devon to be closer to her family.
She was the proud grandmother to eight grandchildren, as well as being a great-grandmother to Daniel, aged 11.
Mrs Wood-Hopps lived in Keevil before moving to the BUPA Trowbridge Oaks care home in May 2021.
Ray Horan, Senior Activities Co-ordinator at Trowbridge Oaks, who spent a lot of time with Mrs Wood-Hopps, said: "Una was an inspiration to all women for what she achieved in her lifetime."
For her birthday she received a card from Trowbridge Mayor, Cllr Graham Hill, who said that living to 103 was a “magnificent achievement” and a “true milestone in life”.
In addition to surprising Una with a specially-painted birthday card by Joy Hawes, the care home team celebrated her milestone birthday by baking her favourite Victoria sponge cake, created specially by chef Dean Venghaus.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here