Supercentenarians 110th birthday celebrations at Knights Court

Knights Court Care home has celebrated the 110^th birthday of a much-loved member of the community.

Marie Pevovar celebrated the remarkable milestone birthday at her home, Knights Court Care Home, Edgware, Middlesex, on Tuesday September 27^th with a party and special visit from the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Mrs Janet Mote and Mayoress Mrs Ann Moore.

Knights Court, part of the Maria Mallaband Care Group, was decorated with plenty of balloons, and Marie, joined by her granddaughter Lisa and those living alongside her in the home, was entertained by a live singer who sang some of her favourite Frank Sinatra songs. The spread of party food and drinks included a giant fresh cream cake made in the shape of the numbers 110.

Born two years before the outbreak of World War I, Marie’s astonishing lifespan extends across two world wars, the reigns of five monarchs and the tenures of 22 Prime Ministers.

The youngest of five siblings, Marie came from humble beginnings, growing up in London where she lived with her parents until her marriage to Mannie. The young couple moved to Potters Bar where they had their son David, raising him there and later in the West End, where they established a garment business. Within a few years business was booming.

One of Marie’s favourite tales from her youth, told to her granddaughter Lisa Pevovar, involves her designing and styling trousers for women - a garment not seen on women at home in those days - having seen women wearing them on a trip to the south of France. She recollects that the women’s trousers she pioneered became the top selling item for their business.

Marie has retained a lifelong interest in fashion; always known as a fashionista, she has collected many compliments for her style of dressing over the years.

Since 2015, she has been in the care of Knights Court, where the team pulled out all the stops for her 110^th birthday.

Knights Court Care Home manager Natalie St Lewis said:

“A 110^th birthday is a rare and incredible milestone, and it was our great privilege to share this moment with Marie and her family.

“Marie’s birthday was all about taking every single moment and appreciating it. It’s been a wonderful and humbling experience being able to care for her for the past six years. I also thank Marie’s family for placing their trust in me and my team to look after Marie’s needs over the years.

“Thank you to my amazing team for their hard work and dedication in making the day such a success. We loved celebrating the life of this remarkable woman.”