A BRADFORD woman celebrated her 100th birthday at Westfield Manor Care Home in Idle yesterday afternoon, and we honoured a request to use a picture of her with her beloved second husband as a reminder of her in her prime.

Minnie Smith married John Elliott Smith when she was in her late 50s and they lived happily together for many years in Wrose.

John, who was slightly older, moved into a care home in his 90s, where Minnie visited him every day. He died a few years ago, at the age of 100 himself.

Stepdaughter Mary Hughes told us that Minnie and her first husband, Benny Cowgill, used to send John and his first wife a Christmas card every year, as Benny and John worked together.

When both of their spouses sadly passed away, Minnie and John resolved to meet up, having not seen each other face to face in 20 years.

It proved to be a wise decision and Mary says that her dad stayed healthy for as long as he did, partly due to his passion for cycling, but also thanks to Minnie’s wonderful care and home making.

She was said to be an excellent baker of mince pies and Madeira cake.

When John passed, Mary promised to look after Minnie, who is still going strong after hitting her century.

Minnie was born in Bradford in 1919 and has survived her three older siblings, Jack, Hilda and Annie.

Three of Minnie’s nieces, Kathleen, Jean and Shirley were at yesterday’s party 100 years later, alongside Mary and her children and grandchildren.

Another niece, Pauline, who Minnie has visited out in Australia, phoned from the other side of the world to join in with the celebrations.

Mary also wanted to thank the care home for the magnificent support and care they give to her stepmother.

She said they had done a wonderful job in putting up bunting, pictures of Minnie and organising her cake.