Mrs Irene Farrell, popularly known as Rene tuned 90 today, 28th October 2014. In the afternoon of her Birthday, Housing Officer, Yomi Shodimu paid Rene a surprise visit with a bouquet of flowers and card from Barnet Homes.
For many years, Rene was at the forefront of the regeneration consultation on Grahame Park Estate, where she was extremely influential in many of the decisions that were being made. Rene worked tirelessly to always make sure that the concerns of her community were fed back to the decision makers . Rene is a well-respected and valued member of the community.
Yomi Shodimu, Housing Officer said: “It’s been a pleasure to be Rene’s Housing Officer. She is just such a lovely lady who even at 90 is a ‘straight talker’. I just can’t believe that she is 90 years old as she certainly doesn’t look it.”
Rene told of how she felt unfazed by reaching 90 years of age. She said: “I feel very lucky especially as I have some genuine friends and family around me, It doesn’t worry me one bit. I feel very lucky to be alive”.
So what is Rene’s secret to a long and happy life?
“Being active” she says. “I’ve always been active especially in my younger days, I just wish I could be more active now. I look back on my life and I think I’ve had a marvellous life. Rene has 3 children, 3 Grandchildren and 5 Great-Grandchildren.
Rene will be spending her special day with her family who will be spoiling her rotten. Rene thanked the staff at the Grahame Park Housing Office for all their help over the years.