Constance Peace celebrates her 100th birthday on Remembrance Sunday as the nation commemorates 100 years since the end of the Great War

A woman born on Armistice Day and given a name to reflect her parents’ hope for future peace, will celebrate her 100th birthday as the world commemorates a century since the end of the Great War.

Constance Peace born on Armistice Day will celebrate her 100th birthday at a Whittlesey care home.. Connie Hailstone was born on the day when World War One was officially declared over, and given a name to reflect the hope for lasting peace. She is preparing to celebrate her 100th birthday this Remembrance Day. Pictured with her nursing staff and friends.Hermatage Home, WhittleseayTuesday 06 November 2018. Picture: TERRY HARRIS. (Image: Terry Harris)

Constance Peace will be surrounded by friends and staff at the Whittlesey care home where she lives as she celebrates her special day this Remembrance Sunday.

Connie was born on the day when the peace truce was signed to mark the end of World War one.

The doctor who delivered Connie Hailstone suggested she should be called Joy or Peace.

Her parents liked his line of thinking and decided on Constance Peace in the hope that their little girl would enjoy her life in constant peace.

Connie said: “I hope I make 100 years old on Armistice day 2018.”

And the secret to her long life?

“Working outdoors and a very happy marriage.”

Judy Wilson, manager of The Hermitage care home in Whittlesey where Connie lives, said: “I think this is rather special.

“It is wonderful that Connie will be 100 on 11/11/2018 it will be such a special day for Constance Peace, her achievement is a remarkable story.”

She was born to Jessie and John Bothamley in Peterborough who decided to call their third child of five, Constance Peace, in the hope she would enjoy her life free of fighting, given the last few war years before she was born.

Connie’s father was a cattle dealer in Peterborough, whilst Connie’s mother stayed home to look after the family.

Connie says she had a very happy life growing up and can remember her grandparents Sam and Florence Hillum.

Her father died when Connie was just seven when her mother was expecting their last baby.

Her mother then raised the five children on her own. Her mother continued to live in Whittlesey until she died at the age of 85.

Connie married her husband Thomas in the 1940s and they had a daughter Barbara. Connie and her husband continued Thomas’s family business of celery growing in Whittlesey until Thomas retired.

They then grew vegetables and supplied locals in the area. Connie has a grandson Mark and two great grandchildren Liam and Mark.

Both Connie’s husband Tom and daughter Barbara died around eight years ago.

Connie made The Hermitage her home seven years ago.

She says she enjoys living there and has very fond memories of Whittlesey that she can pass on to staff, visitors and residents.

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