LORETTA MARKS 104TH BIRTHDAY
LORETTA DOOLEY celebrated her 104th birthday in style, blowing out candles on a cake before indulging her sweet tooth.
Loretta shot to fame last year when the Co Kilkenny woman’s life-long love of cornflakes was acknowledged by Kellogg’s at her 103rd birthday party when its national sales manager joined her and family members and presented her with a specially designed box of cornflakes with her name on the front.
From Tullogher, Loretta has enjoyed the crispy breakfast cereal since childhood and enjoys a bowl every evening at New Ross Community Hospital, where she has been a resident for several years. She also admits to having a sweet tooth.
Loretta turned 104 on July 10 and although she didn’t like talking about her big birthday as it drew closer, she was thrilled to celebrate the occasion with family, friends, hospital staff and residents.
Born Loretta Phelan on July 10, 1916, she grew up in Tullogher and married John Dooley, a postman from Rosbercon.
Her son Shem said he was worried she wouldn’t remember him when he called to see her recently when visitor restrictions were lifted, but she recognised him immediately.
‘I was over to see her on Monday and she had a great time at her party. With Covid, none of us could visit her. She looks good, but is throwing out her teeth these days, maybe they’re paining her. She has a very sweet tooth and loves chocolate and ice cream.’
Shem said his mother has had some setbacks in life, including losing her husband and daughter at young ages.
Loretta’s daughter Maria has Cerebral Palsy and was cared for by her up until 20 years ago when Maria went to live at the Community Hospital and the two are inseparable.
‘ They both enjoyed the party.
She got the President’s Medal again so now she has four – we may have to get a new cabinet for them! Every year is a bonus with her.’
Loretta’s mother lived to a good age, as did her two brothers, but she is the longest living member of the family.
Loretta knew her birthday was coming up as her children would have informed her during visits. ‘She would let on that she wasn’t bothered with it and didn’t like her age being bandied about, but she did enjoy all of the celebrations.’
Shem said his mother can be strong willed, but is generally very laid back.
‘She knows what she wants and she gets it, but goes about it the right away. She is a tough woman who has gone through a lot. She has lived through the Spanish Flu and two world wars.’
Shem thanked the staff at New Ross Community Hospital for their excellent care of his mother. ‘I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for their care of my Mam and Maria. They do great work for everyone up there in very difficult circumstances. They are very good and very safe.’