Great-grandmother dies just weeks before her 106th birthday

Emily Ada Beebe, who sadly outlived one of her daughters and a grandchild, would have received her third birthday card from the Queen on her birthday.

Her surviving daughter Marlene Lee said: “She dozed off which was peaceful and was how she always hoped she would go - to just go to sleep. You can’t wish for anymore at that age.

“We saw her the day before and she was in great spirits.”

Mrs Beebe lived alone in her bungalow in Chaulden, Hemel Hempstead, after the death of her husband Ted in 1996, with the support of family until the grand age of 100 but then moved to St Pauls Care Home in Long Mimms .

The couple had moved to the bungalow from Warners End when they retired and celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 1994.

Marlene said; “They had a lovely retirement. They had quite a few holidays.

Mrs Beebe, who lived through both world wars, was a keen gardener and enjoyed reading before her eyesight began to fail in later years.

She came from a family of long-living women. “Her mother lived until she was into her 90s, which was quite unusual in those days,” said Marlene. “One of her sisters lived well into her 90s and an aunt got to 99, so I think a lot of it is in the genes.”

During her time at St Paul’s, Mrs Beebe had visitors most days including her grand-daughter’s dog who would pay a weekly visit.

“I think he was her favourite visitor,” said Marlene.

Mrs Beebe, who died on January 8, had two daughters, four grandchildren and four great-grandsons.

Her funeral is at St John’s Church, Boxmoor, on Thursday, January 28 at 2pm.

Family flowers only are requested by donations may be made in Mrs Beebe’s memory to The Salvation Army c/o The Co-operative Funeralcare, Wood Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 4TP.