Retired WAAF veteran celebrates 100th birthday at care home

Stella Cotton, who lives at Care UK's Carpathia Grange in Southampton, marked the milestone with family, friends, and staff at the care home.

The lounge was decorated with balloons and banners, and Stella was presented with a large birthday cake featuring a cat design, her favourite animal.

Stella was born on May 18, 1925, in London.

A special birthday celebration was held for Stella on her 100th birthday (Image: WPR) At just 17 years old, she joined the Women's Junior Air Corps as a cadet and served through the war until 1944, when she joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF).

The WAAF was the female equivalent of the RAF, which performed non-combat roles during World War II.

Stella worked as a wireless operator for many years.

After the war, Stella began working in an office until her retirement.

She was married to Maurice Cotton, known as Tony, and in 1954 they had one daughter, Janice, who visits her mother regularly at Carpathia Grange.

Stella moved into the care home in 2020, where she enjoys reading, jigsaws, crosswords, and gardening.

Stella’s daughter, Janice Doland, said: "Mum is a kind, loving, and quiet lady, and we have lots of memories to hold on to.

"Mum has lived a long and happy life and enjoys every day she spends at Carpathia Grange.

"It amazes me every day how my mum engages in conversations and activities that she wouldn't have participated in before."

Jodie Farr, home manager at Carpathia Grange, said: "Stella is a much-loved resident who has lived a colourful life, with some truly fascinating experiences in the WAAF.

"We were excited to organise a special birthday to celebrate her newly minted centenarian status.

"The team worked tirelessly to make sure her day was one to remember, and we would like to thank everyone who came along to wish Stella a happy birthday.

"It was a day of honouring all of Stella’s life achievements and one we will not forget for a long time to come.

"A very happy birthday, Stella."