Skip to content

Woman's creative spark key to reaching 100 - family

Barrowhill Hall An elderly woman sat in a blue chair next to a man in a white and blue shirt, as they look at a card with King Charles and Queen Camilla on the frontBarrowhill Hall
Jean Fage with her son Michael on her 100th birthday

The family of a woman celebrating her 100th birthday believe her creative endeavours could be the secret to her long life.

Jean Fage lives at Barrowhill Hall, a residential and nursing home for people with dementia and memory loss, in Rocester, Staffordshire.

Over the course of her life, Ms Fage has lived in places including Africa, America, London and Wales.

She was also a pianist and played the organ for a church in Wales, where she lived during her retirement.

Her son, Michael Fage, said: "Mum was always musical, she had a real passion for it. She could play Beethoven, Mozart and Haydn, it was a heck of an achievement.

"Her creative endeavours were certainly a source of happiness for her and could be the secret to her long life, because all these things keep your brain going.

"Or it could be because she was born in Persia, 6,700 feet above sea level, and growing up in the high altitude gave her very strong lungs!"

Alongside her music, Ms Fage loved art and began painting when she lived in America in the 1960s.

Barrowhill Hall A montage of black and white photos of Jean, next to a 100th birthday cake with flowers on it and a "Happy 100th Birthday" topper, as well as a yellow balloon and flowersBarrowhill Hall
Jean Fage has lived in places including Africa, America, London and Wales

Her hobby developed into a love of watercolours, oils and pastels as well as sculpting.

She has painted all of the pictures on display at her room in Barrowhill Hall.

Mr Fage said: "Mum sculpted the whole family. Myself, my sister and our father.

"We know she did a commission once as well. I have lots of paintings that Mum made over the years up in my home."

Activities lead at the home, Sally-Ann Davis, said: “We’re very proud of Jean’s talents and we love that her own artwork is hanging up in her room."

Barrowhill Hall An elderly woman in a red jumper paints a picture of a robinBarrowhill Hall
Ms Fage developed a love of watercolours, oils and pastels, as well as sculpting

Ms Fage's family celebrated her special day with her and the care home staff in the home's Orchid Lounge.

Mr Fage said: "It’s been brilliant to celebrate together as a family and make a real fuss of Mum.

"The team were wonderful organising the party and we appreciate everything they do.

"They care for Mum so well and it’s clear they have a great relationship and that they have a genuine affection."

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]

Related internet links