Sunderland Seamstress Celebrates 103 Years in Style

A former seamstress proved she has birthdays all sewn up as she marked her 103rd birthday this August.

Kitty North, who was born in Sunderland in 1922, entered the world at a time when radio was a brand-new invention, the Spanish flu pandemic was still sweeping across the globe, and Howard Carter was on the verge of discovering Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt.

Despite living through more than a century of remarkable world events, Kitty admitted to guests at her birthday celebration that she hadn’t enjoyed school and often wished she’d paid more attention in history lessons.

One subject Kitty did enjoy at school, though, was sewing and she became so skilled that she went on to work as tailor at Dewhirst, making suit jackets for Marks and Spencer, before retiring at 52 – more than half a century ago.

Kitty’s husband, former Royal Navy regular and postmaster, Bob, died some years ago and Kitty now lives at Bede House Care Home, Ryhope, with her son, David.

And not only did Kitty’s friends and other family members join staff and residents in marking her milestone birthday with a special party at the home, but the entire community rallied round to wish her many happy returns.

“Kitty received 169 birthday cards,” said Karen Suleiman, home manager, at the 66-bed home, which is owned by leading care provider Prestwick Care.

“So many local groups – from the community centre, to football and dance clubs -sent cards and there wasn’t a dry eye in Bede House, when she came along to the lounge, where generations of her family were there to greet her.

“And her son, David, who also lives here, said ‘that’s my mam, isn’t she fabulous, she’s just amazing.”

Ann Wood, the home’s activities co-ordinator, said,

“Kitty’s a lovely, proud lady, who enjoys her weekly visits to the hairdressers, always dresses smartly and still likes to put on her make-up.

“She also has a great sense of humour and enjoys an occasional tipple of wine.”

And Kitty’s verdict on her 103rd birthday?

“It’s been the best day of my life. This one will be hard to beat, I’ve just loved this day, from start to finish,” she said.