A remarkable resident at a Sutton Coldfield care home has shared her wisdom for a long and happy life after celebrating her 102nd birthday in style.
A Landmark Celebration
Joyce McCliskie, affectionately known as Joy, marked her incredible milestone with family and friends at Care UK’s Mercia Grange on Lichfield Road. The team at the home ensured it was a day to remember, decorating the space with banners and balloons and presenting Joy with a special birthday cake crafted by the Head Chef.
Born on Monday 5th November 1923 in Oldbury, Joy led a fulfilling career as a nurse at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Birmingham, where she dedicated eight years of her life. Beyond her professional duties, she cultivated a love for sewing, knitting, and cooking, passions she generously shared with her family.
A Life of Connection and Activity
When asked for her advice to younger generations, Joy’s message was clear and powerful: “Stay active, busy and connected with other people.” This philosophy seems to have guided her own life beautifully.
She met her husband, Douglas, in their twenties, and together they built a large and loving family. Joy is now a cherished matriarch to two children, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, with whom she maintains regular contact.
Since moving into Mercia Grange in 2022, Joy has become a cornerstone of the community. Her fellow residents hold her in such high esteem that they nominated her to serve as a Resident Ambassador last year.
Inspiring Those Around Her
Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, shared his thoughts on the celebrated resident. “We love to celebrate special milestones at the home and Joy’s birthday was no exception,” he said.
“Joy is a much-loved resident at the home, so it was lovely marking her 102nd birthday with her loved ones. Her calm and cheerful attitude reminds us that perhaps the key to a long and fulfilling life is living fully in the now and taking joy in the little things.”
He concluded, “Happy birthday, Joy, and here’s to celebrating many more milestones!”
The care home itself, Mercia Grange, is a modern facility offering full-time residential, nursing, and dementia care, alongside short-term respite care. Designed to promote an active and independent lifestyle, the three-storey home features:
- 67 en suite bedrooms
- A cinema
- A hair and beauty salon
- Its own pub
These amenities provide ample space for residents to pursue hobbies and leisure activities, embodying the very active and connected lifestyle that Joy champions.
