August 18th 2024.
Mary Spiers may have never walked down the aisle, but that didn't stop her from living a fulfilling life filled with love and adventure. As she approaches the remarkable age of 100, many may think that her days would become monotonous and dull. But Mary, a resident of Manchester, proves them wrong as she celebrates her 106th birthday today.
When asked about the secret to her long life, Mary's response is simple - "I don't drink, I don't smoke, and I don't chase men!" Instead, she chose to live with her sisters in a house in Cheshire, only moving out a month ago. According to Mary, living with her sisters and avoiding the complications of marriage has contributed to her long and happy life.
She believes that the key is to live each day to the fullest, cherishing every moment and not realizing how quickly time flies by. Mary's sense of humor has also been a great source of strength for her during difficult times. While her life may not have been all sunshine and rainbows, she has always managed to find the silver lining and make the best out of every situation.
Although Mary did have a boyfriend during the Second World War, fate had a different plan for her as he passed away shortly after. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, Mary chose to live her life to the fullest, embarking on countless adventures and taking on 14 different jobs throughout her lifetime.
Her journey began in Southampton, where she lived until she was 18 before her family relocated to Manchester to escape the bombing during the war. Mary vividly remembers the terror of the bombs and the devastation they caused. She considers herself lucky to have survived, unlike many young boys who were sent off to war at the tender age of 17. She hopes that the world never has to witness such a tragedy again.
Over the years, Mary has worked as a cleaner, weaver, cinema usher, and even had the opportunity to work on General Montgomery's car while employed at Chrysler. When asked if she ever regretted not getting married, she simply shrugs it off, happy with the companionship of her two sisters, Ruth and Dorothy, who also lost their boyfriends during the war.
Apart from her sisters, Mary's unwavering love for Manchester City Football Club has been a constant in her life. She has witnessed the team's success, with the majority of their 34 major honors achieved during her lifetime.
Mary's family may have been small, but they were a close-knit bunch who did everything together. Despite facing financial struggles, they always managed to find joy in each other's company. Mary cherishes the memories of their trips, household chores, and gardening, finding solace in the fact that they had each other.
As she looks back on her life, Mary remains grateful for everything she has experienced. She may have lost her sisters and other family members, but she has found a new family in her friends at the care home she resides in. Among them is a 104-year-old man who recently moved in.
At 106 years old, Mary continues to receive birthday cards from the royal family, with Queen Elizabeth sending her one for her 100th birthday and King Charles and Queen Camilla for her 105th. She was overwhelmed when over 250 strangers sent her cards after an appeal from her care home. Mary's eyes may not be as sharp as they once were, but her wit and humor remain intact, always ready with a joke or two from her favorite comedian Norman Wisdom.
Mary's cousin, Henry Hesketh, speaks fondly of her and is proud of everything she has accomplished. He recalls her always having a joke ready to make people laugh, and he believes that her positive outlook on life is the reason for her longevity.
As she celebrates yet another milestone, Mary reflects on her life and is grateful for every moment she has lived. She has no regrets and wouldn't change a thing. The future may be uncertain, but Mary remains optimistic, always looking on the bright side, and spreading joy wherever she goes.
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