Norwich: Deanne Studd of Eaton retirement village turns 100

Deanne's big day is on Sunday, April 23 and the Bluebell Road retirement village resident's niece Norma has produced a YouTube video looking back on her life ahead of the celebrations. 

She has “fond memories” of growing up in Horsham St Faith and said: “I remember my childhood well – it was an incredibly happy time.

Deanne grew up in Horsham St Faiths as the youngest of 7 (Image: Deanne Studd)

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“I was the youngest of seven, I was very spoilt.  

“We spent most of our time outside – I have memories of my mother giving us a bottle of water and we would go and buy some sherbert to put in it."

She joined the army in 1942 (Image: Deanne Studd)

In 1942 Deanne joined the army and in 1946 she relocated to London.  

She was in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), which tasked women with vital roles during the Second World War.  

Deanne, who recalls organising uniforms and secretarial work, said: “I had many roles as an ATS, I certainly didn’t get bored.” 

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While in London Dianne married first husband Sam Harris (Image: Deanne Studd)

While in London Deanne married her first husband Samuel Harris and had two children, Jeremy and Suzanne.  

She added: “Unfortunately Suzanne died from cancer in her 50s.” 

Her daughter Suzanne died when she was in her 50's (Image: Deanne Studd)

Deanne lived in London for 25 years, before moving back to Norwich where all her happiest memories came from.  

She remarried to Victor Studd, had grandchildren and continued exploring and watching her family grow.  

Deanne got remarried to Victor Studd (Image: Deanne Studd)

And Deanne has cracked the code for a long and happy life.  

The soon-to-be centenarian said: “Most importantly I haven’t let myself grow old.  

“I played hard and I worked hard running my own company until I was 72. 

"I kept busy, and I take great interest in what is going on in the world such as politics.” 

Deanne said she worked hard and played hard (Image: Deanne Studd)

Deanne also still enjoys going back to Horsham St Faith and spending time with people in her retirement village in Eaton as they are “a really happy family”.

The birthday girl is having two parties – one at Park Farm Hotel which she has organised herself for her relatives and then a second at her retirement home.  

Deanne is looking forward to celebrating with her son Jeremy and the rest of her friends and family (Image: Deanne Studd)