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Tributes as Britain’s oldest Jewish woman dies aged 109

Esther Sachon, a Jewish Care resident, was believed to be Britain’s 34th oldest person.

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Britain’s oldest Jewish woman has died aged 109.

Esther Sachon, a Jewish Care resident, was believed to be Britain’s 34th oldest person.

She was born on March 18, 1907, and had 13 great-grandchildren.

Mrs Sachon grew up in London’s East End where she met her husband Louis at the Oxford & George’s Club before moving to Stamford Hill.

They had two sons and a daughter, Helena Freeman, who was five when Mr Sachon died in 1951.

Widowed at a young age, Mrs Sachon took on the responsibility of breadwinner.

"Mum started as a dressmaker," Mrs Freeman explained. "She had to work hard after Dad died. She worked for Wallis [in Oxford Street] for 30 years.

“She was a great cook, kept a great home, looked after us very well and only knew about doing things for other people.

"She didn't retire until she was well into in her 70s. No one had a clue how old she was because she looked so young."

Mrs Sachon celebrated her 109th birthday at a Purim party with staff, volunteers and fellow residents at Jewish Care’s Princess Alexandra home, last year.

There was also a tea with family members.  At the time Mrs Sachon said: "My daughter Helena keeps me young.”

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