Celebrating 100 Remarkable Years of Phyllis Groves at Oxford Manor Care Home

On 22nd January 2026, we are incredibly proud to celebrate a truly extraordinary milestone, the 100th birthday of Phyllis Groves, a woman whose life has been defined by kindness, family, hard work, and an infectious love of living.

Phyllis was born on 22nd January 1926 on her parents’ farm, Sheen Croft in Blewbury. As the daughter of a shepherd, her early life was shaped by the rhythms of the countryside and a close-knit family life. Growing up as one of five sisters, alongside Lucy, Mabs, Eileen, and Emily; Phyllis experienced a childhood filled with movement and adaptability, as the family relocated frequently due to her father’s work. These early years laid the foundations for the calm, caring, and resilient woman she would become.

As a young woman, Phyllis was known as the life and soul of the party. She loved to dance, laugh, and bring people together, all while remaining gentle, kind, and non-confrontational in nature. Her warmth and easy-going spirit drew people to her, and friendships often lasted a lifetime.

In 1948, Phyllis married her beloved husband Les, and together they built a life rooted in love, family, and service to others. Phyllis worked at Fairmile Hospital in the launderette, a role she took great pride in. She often spoke fondly of the laughter and camaraderie shared with her colleagues, particularly her best friend Patsy. Beyond her working role, Phyllis and Les devoted themselves to supporting disabled children, including ensuring their David was taken to school every day, something they both treasured deeply.

To those who know her best, Phyllis’s greatest achievement has always been her kindness. She was thoughtful, generous, and would give her last penny to help someone in need. She was also a wonderful cook, famous within the family for her roast potatoes, shepherd’s pie, and lovingly prepared salads, meals that brought everyone together around the table.

Family has always been at the heart of Phyllis’s life. As “Nan,” she played an incredibly important role in the lives of her
children, David and Pauline and her 5 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Sally remembers waiting eagerly for her
Nan to finish work so that she could cycle down the hill, while Marcus recalls growing up playing football with her unwavering support from the sidelines. Phyllis took immense pride in watching her family grow, particularly seeing Sally
become a strong, independent woman and a mother to three beautiful children.

Some of the happiest memories come from times spent with her sisters, including a special period when three of them lived in the same accommodation at Hanover. These years were filled with dancing, laughter, and treasured get-togethers, moments that perfectly capture Phyllis’s joy for life and connection.

Phyllis has always embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. She loved darts at the Morning Star in Cholsey, knitting baby clothes, playing bingo, and keeping an immaculate home. She enjoyed watching sports, family parties, and cheering on her grandchildren as they played football. Staying active was important to her, cycling to work every day, keeping fit, and laughing often.When asked about the secret to a long and happy life, Phyllis would say it’s simple: plenty of love, strong family support, staying healthy, and never forgetting to laugh. That philosophy has guided her through a century of change,
challenge, and joy.

Today, and over the weekend, that love surrounds her as Phyllis celebrates her 100th birthday with family and friends, over 40 loved ones coming together for this remarkable occasion. Oxford Manor Care Home in Didcot is honoured to host a weekend of “magic moments” in celebration of Phyllis’s life, including a very special live performance by the Didcot Primary School choir, who will perform a heartfelt rendition of Happy Birthday. The celebrations will also include live musicians, a bespoke three-tiered birthday cake, and a special buffet as family and friends gather to mark the day together.

Adding to this unforgettable milestone, Phyllis will also receive a 100th birthday card from His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, a fitting tribute to a life that has spanned a century of history, love, and service.

Reflecting on the occasion, Oxford Manor’s Home Manager, Flenton, shared: “Celebrating Phyllis’s 100th birthday is an incredibly special moment for all of us at Oxford Manor. We feel truly honoured to share this milestone with Phyllis and her family. She is a treasure within our home, and it is a privilege to care for and celebrate such a remarkable lady.”

As we mark 100 incredible years, we honour Phyllis Groves, a woman defined by quiet strength, generosity, devotion to family, and a legacy of love that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Happy 100th Birthday, Phyllis, a truly remarkable lady.