Ninety-nine year old Rosina Abbott of South Croydon, died ten days before her 100 birthday but her life was still celebrated by her carers and family.

Mrs Abbott was cremated on her birthday at Croydon Crematorium at 3pm, the exact time the Mayor of Croydon Peter Hopson had been scheduled to visit her at Mayday Hospital to pass on his own birthday greetings.

Mrs Abbott passed away on November 30 at Mayday Hospital after being admitted on November 6 by staff at Tudor House residential home but fond thoughts of her remain with those she left behind.

Carer Freda Reed, who had known her for 12 years ever since she entered residential care, said: "She was well loved by all. She'll be sorely missed. We just can't get over the loss."

She added: "She was very mentally alert and she knew what was what.

"She knew that they were planning a birthday party and she was looking forward to it."

December 13, 2001 13:30