A much-loved centenarian at a care home in Basildon has celebrated her 102nd birthday, joking that her greatest achievement has simply been "keeping alive".
Maisie Emily Nuttall marked the milestone at Mundy House Care Home on Sunday, having been born on March 15, 1924, in Lincolnshire.
She spent much of her life working in the steel industry as an overhead crane driver, later taking on roles in a newspaper shop, pet shop and at Asda.
Maisie moved to Essex later in life and is described by her only son, John, as a loving and devoted mother.
She lived through the Second World War in her twenties, recalling times when food was scarce and bombings were feared daily, shaping much of her resilience.
Staff at Mundy House say she remains active, engaged and warmly connected with those around her, often singing her favourite hymn, Amazing Grace, from memory.
Maisie is also known for her "thoughtful and philosophical nature".
Home manager Josi George, whom Maisie affectionately calls “Doc”, said she is cherished by residents and staff alike.
He said: “Maisie is one of the oldest residents at Mundy House, we have few other residents who are also 102, we celebrate their life here at Mundy House.
“I have a special bond with Maisie as she calls me ‘Doc’ and she sit with me in my office, we always have meaningful conversation about life and she hold my hand and kiss as an expression of her love and kindness to me.
“She loves kissing staff to show her love and tenderness to them too.
"Maisie is a wonderful person, we love her, no other words to express it.
"Maisie still has capacity to take daily decisions and she communicate to staff very well and enjoy all activities and events."
This week, Maisie celebrated her 102nd birthday, surrounded by generations of family and friends who gathered to honour her remarkable life.
The day was filled with laughter, stories, and cherished memories, reflecting the deep impact she has had on everyone around her.
The care home say that Maisie has always carried a remarkably positive outlook, even through some of the toughest chapters of her life.
She believes firmly that each new day should be met with hope.
Maisie also often says there is “no reason to be miserable”, and credits her long life to taking each day as it comes and finding strength in simple joys.
When asked the secret to her long life, she smiled and said, "No reason to be miserable. Life is what you make it.
"Live life every day and hope the next day is better. I never thought I’d get to this age."
With her characteristic humour, she reflects that her greatest achievement has simply been “keeping alive”, and encourages younger generations to focus on what matters most rather than wasting precious time.
Maisie said: "Don’t waste your time hanging about. Focus on what’s important and do it."
Staff say that Maisie still has capacity to take daily decisions and she communicate to staff and loves all the activities and events that the care home provide.
And when told that the Echo wanted to write an article about her, Maisie’s response was characteristically modest: "Whatever for?!".
Maisie was also asked why she likes the staff so much, and she answered without hesitation, "the atmosphere. I always feel welcome".
Described by family and friends as kind, resilient, and someone who always got along with everyone, Maisie has lived a life defined by hard work, warmth, and quiet strength.
Josi added: "As she marks her 102nd year, she stands as a wonderful reminder that a life built on resilience, kindness, and purpose is truly something to celebrate."
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