Century-Old Twins Celebrate Milestone with Mayor’s Visit
The Mayor of Medway, Cllr Habib Tejan, paid a special visit to Rochester twins Dorothy Sivyer and Kathleen Whitehead, who recently hit the big 1-0-0! Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the sisters are now living together again in their childhood home.
Local Legends with Fascinating Lives
Cllr Tejan presented the centenarian twins with flowers and civic mugs to mark their incredible milestone.
- Both grew up in Rochester and attended Rochester Grammar School.
- Kathleen still resides in their grandmother’s house where she’s lived since age 12, while Dorothy lives in Tunbridge Wells.
- Dorothy was an NHS radiographer who helped wounded troops after the Normandy D-Day landings in WWII.
- Kathleen served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force as a radar plotter and was also a local schoolteacher and artist.
Family and Wisdom from 100 Years
Dorothy married Leslie Sivyer and has an impressive family tree with three children, six grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. The twins celebrated their centenary with a socially distanced garden party surrounded by close family.
When asked about the secret to their long, happy lives, they said: “Being happy, exercising, and eating a balanced diet.”
Mayor Hails Twins’ Inspirational Legacy
“It was truly a privilege to meet Dorothy and Kathleen. They have a fascinating family who made such an immense contribution to the community. It is wonderful to meet people who have given back so much, and they shared some wonderful stories with me.” – Cllr Habib Tejan
