The eight days of Chanukah are always a time for celebration, but for one resident of Heathlands Village this year has been even more special than usual.
For Clarice Stern, a resident at the Village since 2017, recently celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family.
Centenarian Clarice was born on 20th December 1919 in London – an addition to a family of sister Lily and brother Cyril. Her parents, born toward the end of the 19th century, moved to the UK from eastern Europe and settled in Manchester.
Clarice’s daughter, Maureen, joined the celebrations at Heathlands Village.
“My mum was a very intelligent lady and worked as a secretary for many years. She also acted as Treasurer for many different organisations across the community, but her most outstanding work was as Treasurer for the Reform Synagogue.
“My mother and father both worked hard as volunteers for the synagogue, first in its small building on Cheetham Hill Road – and then in its new building on Jacksons Row in the city centre.
“My parents met in London, and were married in 1939 in Broughton Shul – and the family was completed by myself and my sister Helen, who now lives in Toronto.”
A lover of crossword puzzles, Clarice was presented with flowers and a card on behalf of The Fed by Director of Clinical Services, Karen Johnson – as well as receiving a card from He Majesty The Queen!