A BOLTON great-grandmother has died just two months before celebrating her 102nd birthday.

Beatrice Blackburn died at Lever Edge House Residential Home on August 26, her home for the past six months.

Before retiring to the home, widow Mrs Blackburn retained her independence, living alone in Penarth Road, Deane, where she lived for 65 years.

A former mill worker and dinner lady at St Gemma's girls school - now part of Mount St Joseph's - Mrs Blackburn was an devout Roman Catholic and regularly attended St Ethelbert's church in Deane.

She married fellow Boltonian Joshua in 1933 and they had a son, John.

Mrs Blackburn also leaves three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

John Blackburn, aged 69, said: "My mum was very independent, so much so that she hated people knowing her age because she thought they would act differently towards her.

"When she was 100, we had a small party, but she would only allow family to be there and we daren't put 100 candles on the cake! She wouldn't even have a telegram from the Queen."

Lynda Johnson, manager at Lever Edge House, said: "Beatrice had many friends here, the staff and residents will miss her very much.

"She was a gorgeous person, a very fit lady for her age

"She was younger than her years and took a lot of pride in herself."

Mrs Blackburn would have turned 102 on November 9.

Her funeral takes place tomorrow at Overdale Crematorium at noon.