WWII Codebreaker Joan Mace Celebrates 106th at Cloverleaf Care Home

Cloverleaf Care Home celebrates centenarian Joan Mace’s incredible journey from teenage Woolworths decorator to top-secret codebreaker.

Our Lincoln care home resident, Joan Mace, has celebrated her 106th birthday while sharing remarkable stories of her extraordinary life journey – from decorating Easter eggs as a teenager to serving as a top-secret codebreaker during World War II.

Joan Mace, who moved into Cloverleaf Care Home on Long Leys Road shortly after her 100th birthday, has captivated staff and residents alike with tales of her fascinating past, including her crucial wartime service at the legendary Bletchley Park.

From Woolworths to Wartime Hero

Born in Essex on June 26th, 1919, Joan was one of 13 children in a hardworking family. At just 14 years old, she began her working life as an Easter egg decorator for Woolworths, carefully applying icing to confections that sold for sixpence.

“I remember decorating them – it was when Woolworths sold them for 6 pence – I put the icing on them,” Joan recalls with a smile.

However, Joan’s most significant contribution came during the darkest days of World War II. In 1941, she joined the top-secret operations at Bletchley Park as a teleprinter operator, playing a vital role in decrypting enemy codes alongside legendary figures like Alan Turing, who famously cracked the Nazi Enigma Code.

Joan’s wartime service at the Buckinghamshire site remained classified for decades, making her one of the unsung heroes whose contributions helped turn the tide of the war.

A Life Well-Lived

Following the war, Joan married her husband Ron, an army driver, in 1945. The couple built a loving family together, raising two daughters and eventually welcoming four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In 1950, Joan and Ron opened a successful 20-bed guesthouse in Devon, where Joan’s natural hospitality shone through. “I did everything – I cooked, I cleaned – I really enjoyed being at the front of the house and welcoming guests in,” she reminisces.

Secrets to Longevity

When asked about her secret to a long and healthy life, Joan’s advice is refreshingly simple: “No alcohol and cycling as I never learnt how to drive a car.”

Despite her impressive age, Joan maintains her sense of humour and love of life’s simple pleasures. With a notorious sweet tooth and passion for baking, she confesses: “My guilty pleasure is the Marks and Spencer’s chocolate trifle – I would eat it every day if I could.”

A Beloved Care Home Resident

Home manager Jill Packwood speaks warmly of Joan’s impact on the Cloverleaf Care Home community: “Joan is a much-loved member of the Cloverleaf family amongst other members of staff alike, she loves to chat and has a multitude of tales to tell.

“At 106 she has not lost her sense of humour or her competitiveness when playing bingo – she is also a regular on our TikTok song and dances.”

Birthday Celebration Fit for a Hero

To mark Joan’s 106th birthday on Wednesday, June 26th, Cloverleaf Care Home hosted a special three-day music festival featuring a legends stage. Local vintage singer Alan Jackson performed a medley of timeless classics from Glastonbury and past festivals for residents and their friends and family, creating the perfect soundtrack for celebrating a truly legendary life.

Joan’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the extraordinary lives lived by Britain’s greatest generation, whose contributions – both public and secret – helped shape the world we live in today.

About Cloverleaf Care Home

Cloverleaf Care Home is part of Tanglewood Care Homes, providing exceptional residential care for elderly residents in Lincoln. Located on Long Leys Road, the home is dedicated to celebrating the rich life stories and experiences of all residents while providing compassionate, person-centered care.

For more information about Cloverleaf Care Home, visit www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk/our-homes/cloverleaf-lincoln/