Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
I’ve had a marvellous life
Flora says turning 100 is a day she will never forget
A remarkable Monklands woman who celebrated her 100th birthday recently says she has lived a “marvellous” life.
Flora Miller marked the milestone on June 4 with family and friends.
The former Old Monkland Primary pupil, who was born in Stand and lived in Glenmavis and Coatbridge, received a very special birthday card from the Queen.
Flora told the Advertiser: “It felt lovely to get a card from the Queen. I wanted to phone her to say thanks!
“A wee part of me was worried it would get lost in the post but thankfully it got here.
“I feel good at 100 and when God takes me to heaven I’ll always have had this day of celebrations here with everyone.
“We all shared some cake. What a day – I’ll never forget it.”
Flora was married to husband Bert for 61 happy years before he passed away, aged 86.
Together the couple lived in Glenmavis’ Waddell Avenue, then Coatbridge’s Lawell Drive, sharing their home with one of Flora’s fondest memories – feathered friend, James the budgie.
She held a variety of jobs including nannying, pharmacy work and working in a warehouse.
Flora recalled: “Bert and I didn’t have much money but we were very happy.
“I loved him very much and we shared a great marriage.”
Reflecting on her century of memories, Flora said: “I’ve had a marvellous life and a very healthy one.
“I thank God for my health, strength and allowing me to enjoy life.
“I liked my work and I enjoyed going to different places on holiday.
“We had a wee caravan at Seamill which I bought for my nephew’s family.
“I didn’t have kids of my own because I didn’t want a family, but I had plenty of nieces and nephews and couldn’t give them enough.”
Flora’s close friend Winnie Heron added: “Flora is a very honest and generous person who would go out of her way to help anyone.
“She’s also very bubbly and still enjoys a good laugh to this day.”