A RESIDENT has marked a major milestone as she turned 100 years old.

Violet Calmet reached her centenary on February 9, celebrating with neighbours and friends, and a lunch out with her family.

The centenarian was originally born in Bocking and lived in Gosfield and Colchester before moving to Halstead at an early age.

After leaving school at 14, Violet went to work for Courtaulds, and worked evenings as an usherette at the town’s Empire Theatre.

It was during the war when she met her husband Bob, who was in the Free French Air Force.

They married in 1946, moving to France for a year, and then Argentina.

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The pair eventually came back and settled in Halstead, having two children – son Michel Calmet who is now 71, and daughter, Suzette Tolliday, 65.

Violet and Bob remained married for 67 years until his death in 2013.

Throughout her life in Halstead, Violet worked in the Dewhurst butchers, St Andrew’s School, and at the Co-op in the wines and spirits department up until her retirement.

Still living at home in Halstead, Violet is looked after by carers and daughter Suzette.

Suzette said: “It is great to see her still going.

“She is still happy even though her mobility is a little limited.

“She has only been having carers in the last few years, and I only live in Colchester so try to visit her as often as I can, sometimes every day if possible.

“My brother Michel lives in Haverhill, so we are both not too far away.”

On her special 100th birthday, Violet enjoyed a meal out with friends and family.

She also received the traditional card from the Queen to help celebrate the landmark anniversary.

On the secret of living such a long life, Suzette added: “She has always eaten well, and still enjoys her food.

“I guess she has just always looked after herself.

“She has had some illness, but she is just phenomenal and still carries on”.