In 1905 Einstein published his theories on relativity, the first Russian revolution began and Wembley resident Seraphine Andrews was born.
The centenarian, who still enjoys a puff on a cigarette, turns an incredible 103-years-old tomorrow (Wednesday) and is due to celebrate the special occasion with friends and family at her home of 60 years in Oakington Manor Drive, Wembley.
The Vienna-born Jew has seen a lot during her eventful life which includes a lucky escape from a Nazi concentration camp during the Second World War. She said: "When I was living in Vienna I was still with my family and had three brothers. But two were sent to camps and I never saw them again. I luckily escaped to England in 1938 just when Hitler came to Vienna but I missed my brothers dearly."
On her arrival in London at the age of 32 Seraphine was unable to obtain a work permit but instead met a 22-year-old soldier called Alec who was in the British Army.
After seven weeks of courting the couple tied the knot in the heat of the Blitz in 1940.
She said: "Alec was a lovely man. I couldn't have wished for a better man to spend my life with. He was my toyboy. I wasn't allowed to work over here but after marrying Alec I got a work permit. I worked in the Cumberland Hotel, a factory making soldiers' uniforms and a bakery for 10 years."
During their 56 year marriage the couple who had no children enjoyed travelling all over the world together. She said: "We had such fun. We use to go on holiday three times a year. I went to Switzerland, Italy, Sardinia and even Israel which was my favourite.
"When Alec died I became very lonely and that is when I started smoking. I sometimes smoke 10 a day."
But despite losing her husband Seraphine says staying happy and keeping a sense of humour is the key to a ripe old age. She said: "You have to be good to people in life and then people will be good to you. In marriage you have to be prepared to give and take. I was brought up to be like that. Brought up to have manners.
"Now though if somebody could give me two new legs and a nice young man I would be over the moon."
Catherine Wilson, 65, of Wrights Place, Wembley has known Seraphine for five years and helped her celebrate her birthday. She said: "Seraphine is wonderful woman. She just always wants to have fun. She is always so cheerful and happy and always has an interesting story to tell. I could listen to her talk about her life all day long."
103-year-old still enjoys a cheeky smoke
In 1905 Einstein published his theories on relativity, the first Russian revolution began and Wembley resident Seraphine Andrews was born.
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