Bertha's special birthday (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Bertha celebrates her 100th birthday

12:20pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in News By Barbara Jordan

AT the grand old age of 100, Bertha Ledward still rules the roost.

Her daughter, Joyce Williams, aged 73, said she often ticks her off.

Staff at her Widnes retirement home say she keeps them on her toes.

Mum-of-two Bertha, the second youngest of 10 children, had to go out to work when her late husband, James, contracted TB after he was de-mobbed.

She was an orderly in the maternity ward at Sefton General Hospital and then worked at Crawfords Biscuits and Murphy’s shoe repairs in Jamaica Street.

She has lived in Widnes for 26 years and looked after herself in her flat in Gaisgill Court, until she fell and broke her hip five years ago.

Her daughter, Joyce, of Hall Avenue, Widnes, said: “Mother was always the breadwinner. She’s had a hard life.

“She had to be a strong character because she was in charge.

“At times, she tells me off when I go in to see her.”

Bertha’s only surviving brother, Leslile, aged 87, and son, James, aged 69, from Mottershead Road, ,joined family, friends and the Mayor of Halton, Clr Tom McInerney for a party on Friday.

Tracey Naughton, activities co-ordinator at Trewan House in Ditchfield Road, said: “She keeps all the carers in check.

“She is a lovely woman. All the residents adore her.

“She loves her family coming, especially the children.”

Bertha has seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

Her mother, Elizabeth, lived until she was 94.

Mum-of-four Joyce added: “All the women in our family have had a hard time. I had to work to bring my family up as my husband died 31 years ago.

“Mum seems to have done quite well. She hasn’t had many illnesses. She is a very determined lady.

“She likes food and eats well.”