Joan Francis, a resident at Sharnbrook House Care Home in Bedford, has celebrated her 100th birthday – a remarkable milestone she describes as both “thrilling and astonishing.” Surrounded by her family and staff at the home, Joan marked the occasion with warmth, laughter and reflection on a century well lived.
Born in Islington, London, Joan left school at 14 and began working in a factory before moving into the hospitality industry. She went on to become a silver service waitress, first at a Lyons Corner House and later at a prominent London hotel.
Her career took her to the White Tower restaurant in Percy Street, just off Tottenham Court Road – a small but fashionable establishment popular with notable figures of the day. Among those she served were a young Princess Margaret and celebrated film director David Lean. Renowned artist Augustus John was so struck by Joan that he once asked if he might paint her portrait.
As a teenager, Joan met her future husband, Tom, and the couple married in April 1949. In the 1960s, they both worked at the prestigious Connaught Rooms in Holborn. While Tom worked as a painter and decorator, Joan continued her work as a waitress, serving distinguished guests including the late Queen Elizabeth.
Family has always been at the heart of Joan’s life. She and Tom raised two daughters, Vivien and Linda, and Joan is now a proud grandmother to four grandchildren and great-grandmother to seven – the much-loved matriarch of five generations. She was widowed in 2004 when Tom passed away at the age of 79.
In 2014, Joan moved from London to Bedford to be closer to her daughters. After initially living independently, she chose to move to Sharnbrook Home where she has since made her home.
Celebrating her centenary at Sharnbrook, Joan wore a sash and tiara as she was joined by her family for a special party. One of the highlights of the day was receiving a birthday card from the King and Queen, which left her delighted and amazed.
Reflecting on reaching 100, Joan said she was “absolutely over the moon” to celebrate such a milestone, adding that it feels both thrilling and astonishing to have reached this age – having outlived all four of her sisters.
Joan’s family describe feeling incredibly fortunate to share this rare occasion with her, calling her 100th birthday a testament to a life defined by hard work, grace and unwavering devotion to family.