Mary Elizabeth Szeliga, also known as Polly, celebrated her 102nd birthday on Sunday 2nd June with family, fellow Residents and members of the care team at HC-One’s Hawthorn Court care home in Hebburn.
Born in Clegwell Cottages in Hebburn, Polly was the middle child with an older brother, William, and a younger sister, Sarah. Polly worked for Reyrolle and Pryotenax before she married her husband, Jan Szeliga, also known as John, who worked as an engineering officer in the merchant Navy.
Polly accompanied John on long-haul voyages around the world and the pair would often visit John’s family in his home country of Poland. The couple bought a bungalow in Monkton Village, where Polly resided until she was 99 years old, she moved into Hawthorn Court where she has lived ever since.
To celebrate Polly’s special day, Hawthorn Court organised a fun-filled party, Polly’s family also visit from Bournemouth to be with her for her birthday, they also took Polly out for a lovely birthday meal.
After her family meal, Polly celebrated the rest of her birthday with her fellow Residents and members of the care team. Polly commented that she had a wonderful birthday and was made to feel like a queen for the day.
Hawthorn Court Home Manager, Amanda Sleightholme said: “What a joy it was to be able to celebrate such a special birthday with Polly, she is a truly remarkable lady and on behalf of everyone at Hawthorn Court I would like to wish her a very happy birthday.”