Whitehaven woman celebrates 102nd birthday at Christmas

Josephine 'Peggy' Hale was born on December 25, 1921, in the early years, and during the war, Peggy careered for her mother as part of the fire service.

She was married to her husband Tom and they had three children. 

The couple spent most of their lives living at Chapel Close. 

Their three daughters are called, Marilyn, Ann, and Edith they also have seven grandchildren, Iain, Mark, Nicola, Rachel, Alison, Davinia, and Theron.

Peggy on her 100th birthday (Image: Newsquest)

More recently Peggy has welcomed eight great-grandsons; Daniel, Nathan, Aaron, Finley, Eli, Rupert, Max, and Jagger.

The couple were married at St Nicholas' Church in Whitehaven and enjoyed 48 years of marriage together. 

Peggy was born in Whitehaven and was said to have had a large friend group, in her youth she grew up on Michael Street. 

Peggy with her message from the late Queen (Image: The Gables)

Mrs Hale said: "The secret to long life is chocolate, laughter, and my family. These days I enjoy sleeping, bingo, singing, and looking back at my memories."

She says one of her fondest memories was spending summers in the garden, having a few drinks and enjoying the sun. 

Nowadays, Peggy lives at The Gables care home and is much loved by staff and residents who have wished her the happiest of birthdays. 

Peggy with a picture of the Queen (Image: Newsquest)

Back in early 2022, we reported that Peggy had celebrated her 100th birthday. 

She was delighted to receive many gifts and cards, including one from the Queen.

Peggy spent the morning at her daughter's home with her family, then continued the celebrations at The Gables. 

Peggy holds up a picture of the Queen (Image: Newsquest)

Her loved ones say she is a "fun-loving, thoughtful, kind, polite and a gentle sweet lady", with "a great sense of humour" who was "the life and soul of the party".

After working for the fire service she worked for some time at Pow Beck Care Home in Mirehouse. 

As Peggy celebrates her 102nd milestone birthday her family, friends, and all those involved with The Gables will be delighted to see her enjoy what will be a very special Christmas time.