Balhousie Coupar Angus resident Mary Connelly marked her 100th birthday in style by celebrating with family and friends.
The former nurse was joined by her son Graham, daughter-in-law Joyce and granddaughter Emma – as well as friends, fellow residents and staff – for a day of celebrations.
To mark Mary becoming a centenarian, entertainment was provided by Bob Stewart, while she rounded off the special occasion with a birthday lunch at the Red House with her family and friends.
She received a card from King Charles III – and of course, a stunning birthday cake.
Staff at Coupar Angus said afterwards: “It was wonderful to be able to help Mary celebrate her very special day with her family and friends.
“She had a lovely day and enjoyed a fantastic birthday meal at the Red House.
“Bob Stewart helped her celebrate with some fabulous entertainment, which all the residents and staff enjoyed too.”
Born at Craigwillie Farm in Huntly in 1923, Mary trained as a nurse at Aberdeen Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Perth Royal Infirmary, before working as a district midwife in Aberdeen.
She became a theatre sister and clinical tutor at Stracathro Hospital where she met student nurse Bert – the man she would go on to marry.
After their wedding Mary and Bert moved to Birmingham, where she worked as a theatre sister at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. While there she worked with Professor Leon D’Abreu, who conducted the first paediatric hole-in-the-heart surgery in the UK in 1951.
Following their spell in the Midlands the couple moved back to Scotland, where Mary worked as a nurse for the National Coal Board in Lanarkshire and took part in the underground rescue of a seriously injured miner.
A break to bring up her family followed, after which she returned to nursing at PRI in 1969, then moved to Strathmore Hospital and Blairgowrie Cottage Hospital. Mary and Bert also found time to run Connell Reid Kiltmakers in Blairgowrie for many years, and even after retiring she worked part-time at Hope Park Care Home into her 70s.
Away from work, Mary was a lifelong member of Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club – and she continued walking with the group until she was 94.
She also had a passion for Scottish country dancing, volunteering at Loch of the Lowes nature reserve and taking part in Rural activities.
As she turns 100, she continues to enjoy spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter.
Happy birthday, Mary!
