A HOLMER Green resident celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday.

Dorothy Sheppard had a party with family friends at Cherry Garth Care Home in Holmer Green, where she lives.

Mrs Sheppard was born in Dagenham, Esssex. When she left school she worked as a bus conductor during the war and later as a housemaid in Richmond.

Her husband, William, died aged 65. They had married in 1939.

Sadly, their only son, Kenneth, died aged 65 of heart failure in 2004, 24 years after he had a kidney transplant.

He first hit headlines in the 70s when neighbours rallied to build a special cabin housing dialysis equipment. He then continued to fundraise for facilities for transplant patients.

He left behind his wife, Marion, and their children, Paul, Mark and Lisa, some of whom were able to attend the birthday celebrations. She also has four great grandchildren.

Mrs Sheppard has lived in care homes since she was 70, after her husband died.

Marion’s partner, John Nunnerley, said: “She is very witty. She is very proud.

“Up until about a year to 18 months ago she was forever washing dishes, whichever home she was in.

“She’s on the ball and does a lot for herself.”

Mrs Sheppard was very pleased to receive her birthday message from the Queen.