COVENTRY woman Vera Yale celebrated her 100th birthday last week and was paid a surprise visit by the Lord Mayor.
Vera was born in 1921 and the family lived in Spon Street before moving to Lime Tree Park.
In 1938 she went to Groslay in France, where she worked as a nursemaid to two children, but she returned to the city and married William Keers in 1941 at St James’ Church in Tile Hill Lane and lived in a house in Torrington Avenue.
During the war she worked as an inspector at the AWA factory in Bagington, and has also worked at the Standard Aero Factory on Fletchhamstead Highway, Quinton Hazel, and the Co-op.
The couple had two daughters, Christine and Sandra, and five grandchildren and the family spent many happy times at the Lime Tree Park Social Club.
Sadly, at the age of 58, Vera was widowed, and remarried five years later to Leon Yale, becoming stepmother to Philip and Janet, and gaining four step-grandchildren
Nicola Earles, one of Vera’s grandchildren, said: “In 1991 Vera and Leon moved to St Thomas Court and spent many happy times there, going on day trips and holidays together. Sadly, Leon passed away in 2000
“My nan used to love knitting and playing bingo. She had a sausage dog who she named Sally and was very fond of her and still talks about her often now. She also now has five great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren.”
The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Coun Ann Lucas, who dropped in to wish Vera many happy returns, said: “It was lovely to be able to meet Vera and wish her a happy 100th birthday. She has led an amazing life and has seen such incredible change in our city and the world.
“Reaching the age of 100 is a very big milestone indeed, and to celebrate it with family and friends is wonderful.”
