Noreen Murphy, now a resident at Abigail Lodge on Delves Lane in Consett, lived in a house on the Duke’s estate in Cheshire for nearly 50 years until she retired at 70.
She began working for the family aged 21 and looked after their three dogs when away on business. She has remained close to the family, who still keep in touch with her to this day.
Noreen will celebrate her 106th birthday on June 2 with her family, friends and staff gathering to make the day extra special.
The bubbly great-grandmother, originally from County Waterford in Ireland, has no idea what her daughter and the care home team have planned.
Her daughter Maureen McFadden, 66, from Consett, said it feels “unbelievable” to be celebrating her mum’s 106th birthday following a series of health complications.
She said: “I can’t believe it’s happening because so many times it’s sort of been like a rollercoaster.
“She’s been ill quite a few times, and I didn’t think she’d make it. She’s one of seven siblings and there’s nobody in the family who reached that age. She’s outlived everybody.”
Noreen has been living at Abigail Lodge since January after spending five weeks in hospital with pneumonia over Christmas.
The care home’s lifestyle coordinator, Rebecca Ainsley, has organised a birthday card appeal to try to reach 106 cards for Noreen’s special day.
Rebecca said: “She loves to talk about the Royals and the time she worked with them. She’s very bubbly and loves being fussed over.
“We want to make 106 a really big thing for her because in Covid it was her 100th birthday and she never got to see her daughter because of the lockdown rules.”
On the day itself, Noreen will also enjoy a visit from a singer, followed by a party in the lounge with family and friends.
The care home chef has even created a special pureed birthday cake so Noreen, who has swallowing difficulties, can still enjoy a cake to celebrate the milestone.
Maureen added: “My mum’s incredible, she doesn’t act her age and she doesn’t look her age either.
“She’s got a great sense of humour and loves to laugh and joke. The home has been amazing to her and I can’t praise them enough.”
Anyone wishing to send Noreen a birthday card can post them to Abigail Lodge Care Home, Gloucester Road & Delves Lane, Consett, DH8 7NJ.