A number of significant historical events took place in 1919 but for one Suffolk family none was more important than the birth of Kath Cook.
Mrs Cook, who lives in Campsea Ashe, celebrated her 100th birthday this week surrounded by her sons and daughters at The Ship pub in Blaxhall. Mrs Cook left school at the age of 14 and immediately went into service working in hotels and other establishments. For around 40 years she was married to her husband Arthur with whom she had 10 children.
Mrs Cook spent 60 years living in the family home in Carlton before moving to a home in Campsea Ashe, three years ago.
Despite her large family Mrs Cook managed to balance her work to ensure that she was always there for her family as they grew up.
“When she had her children she did field work and cooking,” said her daughter Lynda Eagle.
“She worked tirelessly and was always home when we came back from school,” said Mrs Eagle.
“She basically looked after us one handed, she did everything for each one of us.”
Her family have described her as a straight lady, who says what she is thinking.
“What mum says goes,” said Mrs Eagle.
“We all take after her for that. She’s an absolutely fantastic mum.”
At the meal Mrs Cook gave a speech to her family thanking them all for coming to her special meal.
One of the highlights of Mrs Cook’s birthday was receiving her letter from the Queen.
“My brother had to go through so many hoops,” said Mrs Eagle, “ but it was all worth it.
“She was really wanting to get to 100 to get that.”
After a last minute venue change Mrs Eagle said she was incredibly grateful to staff at The Ship for helping to make her mother’s birthday such a success.
“The pub were absolutely fantastic. They could not have done better,” said Mrs Eagle.
After having the meal with her family Mrs Cook spent the rest of the day celebrating with her ever expanding family of grandchildren, great grandchildren and even great great grandchildren at the home where she now lives.
“It was a fabulous day,” said Mrs Eagle.
“She had more energy than the rest of us.”
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