ONE of Ipswich's oldest residents reached dizzying heights when she celebrated her 106th birthday.Born in January 1902, Florence Teager, who has lived through two world wars and a lifetime of essential inventions, celebrated her milestone birthday with some members of her family and staff at her Ipswich nursing home.

ONE of Ipswich's oldest residents reached dizzying heights when she celebrated her 106th birthday.

Born in January 1902, Florence Teager, who has lived through two world wars and a lifetime of essential inventions, celebrated her milestone birthday with some members of her family and staff at her Ipswich nursing home.

Originally from Ipswich, Mrs Teager was one of two women in the town to help work the cranes during the Second World War. She also earned an extra penny by bringing in other people's washing for them.

Her eldest granddaughter, Ann Stevenson, 58, said: “She worked on the cranes because everyone had to pitch in back then.

“She has had a difficult life. Her mother died during childbirth when she was eight years old. She has worked hard throughout her life. I think that is why she has lived for so long.”

Up until a month ago, she lived by herself in Stoke Park but following a fall and a few weeks care in hospital, she is now living at Bluebird Lodge in Mansbrook Boulevard, Ravenswood.

In a month's time she is expected to go to move in to sheltered accommodation elsewhere in Ipswich.

Mrs Stevenson added: “She had carers who went in to see her when she was in her own house but she is in excellent health apart from that. The fall made her scared to stay in her house as she thought it would happen again.

“Every year she keeps saying, 'This is my last Christmas' and we always tell her that it won't be.”

Throughout her life, she has worked to bring up her family, along with her husband Charlie who died 19 years ago.

She has two daughters, Doris Sawyer, 83, and Joan Smith, 80, four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Do you know someone who has just celebrated a milestone birthday? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.

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