Imagine having a neighbor who shares your exact birth date and age. Josie Church and Anne Wallace-Hadrill, two lively great-grandmothers, have experienced this rare coincidence. Born on April 1, 1924, these women have lived next door to each other since the 1980s in Oxford, UK, and have seen quite a bit of life together.
Josie reflects on her life and friendship with Anne, saying, “I think life has gone quite quickly.” Both women have led active lives, engaging in creative and volunteer activities. Josie fondly recalls how Anne was busy with painting and tapestry, while she herself was always occupied with something else.
Following the loss of their husbands, the two women became good friends. Anne moved to her current home after her husband, John Michael Wallace-Hadrill, a historian, passed away. She has an impressive background, having served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service as a radio mechanic during World War II and teaching English at St. Hilda’s College, Oxford University.
Anne enjoyed her time at the university, finding it both “a lot of fun and a lot of work.” After her studies, she contributed to the Oxford English Dictionary as a lexicographer, a role she cherished due to her love for words. Last year, she was proud to receive a medal from the Royal Navy, acknowledging her long-overdue service.
On the other hand, Josie hails from Manchester and trained at Preston Royal Infirmary. Her nursing training was rigorous, and she recalls the strict conditions, saying, “In those days, you had to live in, and you couldn’t get married, and it was very strict.” During World War II, she had the daunting task of caring for SS German soldiers, who weren’t exactly easy patients.
Josie’s journey to Oxford was tied to her husband’s education, where they lived the life of students after the war. She vividly remembers the mix of older war veterans and fresh-faced undergraduates at University College. The mix of people made Oxford a unique place back then.
Together, Josie and Anne have celebrated many milestones, including their shared birthday. Last year, their neighbors threw a surprise party for their 100th birthday. “We live on the most amazing road. It’s like one big, extended family,” Josie remarked, appreciating the sense of community.
When asked about the secret to a long life, Josie’s advice is simple: “Just live. You do what seems to need doing, and then you do that, and then something else takes its place.” It’s evident that these women have embraced life as it comes, making the best of every situation.
