A WOMAN who survived after being badly burnt in a fire more than 50 years ago has celebrated her 100th birthday.
Elizabeth Anne Johnson, known as Anne or Ciss, reached her centenary on February 28 at the White House Residential Nursing Home, Wrexham, where she is living temporarily.
Her landmark birthday is particularly remarkable as she suffered life threatening burns aged 42, when she fell into a fire at her home in Little Acton.
Mrs Johnson’s injuries were so severe she spent more than four years in several hospitals, undergoing 46 operations, including facial reconstruction.
She recovered and went on to enjoy ballroom dancing regularly until she was 87.
One of her grand-daughters, Fiona Hawkridge, has paid tribute to her after turning 100.
She said: “She’s a remarkable woman. She puts her survival down to spirit and determination. She says her longevity is down to eating good home cooked food, having a healthy lifestyle and a long and happy marriage for 73 years to Frank.”
Originally from Ffrith, Flintshire, she married Frank in Llanfynydd Church in 1936 and the couple remained together until his death three years ago.
Their daughter Norma was born two years after their marriage. After moving to Llandudno Junction during the Second World War, the family returned to the Wrexham area after the war and settled in Garden Village.
Mrs Johnson is a member of St James Church, Rhosddu, and for many years has been part of the Wrexham Business and Professional Women’s Club, now known as Distaff.
She has two grandchildren, Fiona and Crispin and four great grandchildren, Jasmine, Liberty, Ben and Alex. Her 100th birthday was marked with family. and friends.