A SOUTHAMPTON woman whose house was bombed during the Second World War is celebrating her 100th birthday this weekend.

Joan Randell from West End becomes a centenarian today, June 26, after a life filled with family and adventure.

Her son Peter Randell said: “We feel immense pride and admire the courage and determination she has shown throughout her life.

“We have organised a celebratory party for her 100 years with her friends and family at the Master Builders pub on Saturday, June 25.”

Beautician and fuel tank builder

At the age of ten, Joan’s family moved to Cedar Road in Portswood which is where she met her future husband, Ivan.

After her house was bombed in 1942 she upped sticks to Eastleigh and later got married at St Barnabas Church in 1943.

Not one for being idle, Joan contributed to the Second World War effort by making fuel tanks for the Spitfire aircraft at Wadhams Garage in Lodge Road.

Daily Echo: Joan Randell pictured with her two sons Peter (left) and Barry in 2018Joan Randell pictured with her two sons Peter (left) and Barry in 2018

She moved to Broughton with her family and after moving to Regents Park, continued to be a housewife until her sons were older and she could return to work.

Joan started working for Boots in Above Bar Street where she became a beautician in the cosmetic department.

In her spare time she joined the Southampton Musical Society and became a makeup artist.

She often went between Boots and the Gaumont Theatre to help with actors’ makeup during her lunch break.

'Strong character'

Beyond her career, Joan loved her garden and spent many hours potting, planting and cultivating to produce a picture-perfect postcard garden.

She and Ivan loved travelling to different countries with other members of her family and enjoyed a happy retirement which continued after moving to Lincoln Court in West End.

Ivan sadly died in 2007 and Joan continues to live her life in Lincoln Court where she is supported by her family.

Peter said: “Mum is of such strong character. We thought after Dad died she would never get over it, but she has come through it with support.

“She has suffered cancer, a broken hip and a number of different infections, but she has still managed to bounce back and come out the other side smiling.

“Unfortunately mum is now suffering from mixed dementia but she still manages to live a mainly independent life.”

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News