‘Fanny, 105, enjoyed all of the attention’
12:42pm Monday 12th May 2008
WHEN a Lostock pensioner celebrated her 105th birthday on Thursday, she was far from lonely.
For Fanny Billington enjoyed reaching the landmark with her four sisters aged 102, 98, 92 and 90 and her 88-year-old baby brother.
Having now received two letters from the Queen, Fanny and her staggeringly long-living family celebrated in style with a party at Crossways care home in Manchester Road where she lives with her 102-year-old sister Jenny.
Sisters Mary, 98, from Barnton, Sarah, 92, and Ann, 90, joined brother Aurthur, 88, to toast the occasion before Fanny was presented with a bouquet from John Jefferson, chairman of Charitable Care Sevices which runs the home.
Crossways manager Sue Houghton said a wonderful day was had by all.
"Fanny was full of it, she really enjoyed all the attention," she said. "Everyone here absolutely adores Fanny and Jenny, they are very highly regarded and are the life and soul of the place when they are out and about.
"You can always be sure to get a funny comment off them when you walk past."
Originally one of 12, Fanny and her siblings grew up in a small end-terrace in Lostock Gralam.
Despite a humble upbringing, longevity must run in the genes as their dad, John, was almost 90, and their mother, Jane, was in her late 80s when they passed away in the 1960s.
Fanny and Jenny never married and have remained inseperable throughout their lives. Both worked in domestic service for many years, while Fanny worked as a railway clerk during the Second World War.