Remarkable Rugby woman who fought off Covid-19 at the age of 100 is smiling again on her 101st birthday

A remarkable Rugby woman who fought off Covid-19 at the age of 100 is now celebrating her 101st birthday.

The residents and staff at Overslade House in Rugby said it was an 'absolute pleasure' to celebrate the birthday of Joan Blinco (nee Dytham) last week.

"Joan is an amazing lady, in her centenary year she contracted Covid and fought it with an inner strength we can all gain from, bouncing back to health, and regaining her beautiful smile," said Violeta Baesu, general manager of Barchester Overslade House (which owns Overslade House).

Growing up in Rugby, as a teenager Joan loved to play hockey and netball, now in her later years she loves to watch the rugby and is an avid supporter of The Leicester Tigers.

Joan has concentrated her whole life on her family. Her son is a truck driver, and daughter a hairdresser. She has seven grandchildren that light up her life every time they visit.

Joan’s eldest grandchild lives in Australia and although Joan will say she’s far from technology proficient, calling her mobile that ‘idiot phone’ she has mastered Facetime and regularly links with the family in Oz.

One of her passions is classical music, coming from a musical family. Joan’s mother was in service from 1892, and her father was a musician who played for the soldiers throughout the war years. Joan used to play the same brass instruments.

Getting married at the start of WWII in the height of rations, Joan missed out on a wedding dress. However she recalls it being a very special day for her and husband, Herbert (Bert to his friends) who at the time worked as a machinist at British Thomson-Houston (BTH) in Rugby.

Violeta Baesu added: “We’re delighted to be part of Joan’s 101st birthday celebrations, she’s a remarkable lady, always happy to chat, and loves nothing more than listening to Classic FM.

"Joan is a much loved member of the Rugby community, and Overslade House, and we truly hope she had a fantastic day celebrating with us and her visiting family."