This January, care home Resident Mary (pictured) celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends at HC-One’s the
Beeches in Dukinfield, Tameside.
Mary Quinn, was born on 12th January 1923 at her family home on Huddersfield Road in Millbrook. Throughout her working life, she did a lot of volunteer work for her local churches, St James Church and Holy Trinity Church. She also says this was one of her main hobbies, as well as helping others; she enjoyed helping out in the children’s’ playgroup, and also did the cleaning work (alongside many other jobs). She was also involved in the ladies’ guilds social club, where they played dominoes on a regular basis.
She recalls ringing the victory bell at St James Church when the war was over and describes this as a very proud moment.
The big celebration for her 100th birthday started with Mary opening her cards and presents, followed by a visit from her family. She has a large family with a brother and four sisters, one of which made it to 100 as well! She also has four nephews and a niece who all have families that come and see her at the home. Colleagues at the 32-bed residential care home organised a party for Mary with local Singer Samantha Jones entertaining Residents with upbeat hits from the 1950’s and 60s.
Everyone had a lovely day celebrating with Mary who has been a Resident at the Beeches for many years along with her best friend Gladys; they have been friends since the age of 11 and have a few hobbies together. She recalls that she used to go out on a Friday lunchtime with Gladys at the local Weatherspoon’s.
Mary thoroughly enjoyed receiving her card from King Charles, which nearly didn’t make it on time! But she found this funny and said she would go and find him if it hadn’t arrived.
She commented,
“Thank you for arranging a great day to celebrate my birthday I have had a really nice day.”
When asked what her secret to a long life is, Mary jokingly remarked,
“Not getting married! My faith and being involved in the church. And being well looked after.”
Sade Smith, Wellbeing Coordinator at the Beeches, commented,
“It’s been great to organise another special birthday here at the Beeches, Mary had a lovely day celebrating with her family and friends.”