The 100-year-old modern woman
Pioneering pensioner celebrates milestone
A pioneering Paisley pensioner is still on a high after marking her 100th birthday in style.
Jillian Burton celebrated the huge milestone with family and friends at Mosswood Care Home on Saturday.
Music, birthday cake, special guests and a bit of dancing was the order of the day for Jillan whose daughter, also named Jillian Burton, said was “just brilliant”.
“The party was absolutely fabulous. What a day for mum,” Jillian said.
“Everyone who came along on the day had an amazing time.”
With six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, Jillian’s ever- growing family saw three generations at the get- together for which her daughters are so grateful.
“The staff at Mosswood care home are simply amazing.
“I don’t know what we would do without them,” Jillian added.
“They are so caring and wonderful with mum.
“Their job is a difficult one and they do it with such patience.
“They organised a delicious personalised cake entertainment for the party. “I can’t thank them enough.” Born in London, Jillian moved to Paisley after meeting her husband in hospital at the end of World War Two.
“Dad was in the medical orderly and mum was a patient,” Jillian said.
“They quickly fell in love, moved up to Paisley and married on December 31, 1945.”
Before heading to Scotland, Jillian was considered to be a bit of a trailblazer, gaining a full drivers licence.
“For a woman to drive at that time was quite something”, Jillian said.
“She drove lorries and ambulances for the Royal Air Force during the war.
“She’s always been a bit of a modern woman.”
Jillian’s forward thinking continued after she became an adopted Buddie in 1946.
Residing in Shortroods, she was the first woman to drive a car in the area, gaining a licence well before her husband.
From building houses from scratch to gardening and household DIY, there was no stopping Jillian who was not to be underestimated.
“Mum was always on hand to and help with practical jobs usually left to a man,” Jillian added.
“She was always really practical and hands on.
“As she got older she still kept up gardening and DIY.
“She was pretty well known in the community.”
First-born Jillian grew up with sisters Lynne, Charmaine and Alison.
Their mother continued to live in Paisley and now enjoys spending time with residents at the care home on Linwood Road in the town.
A presentation of a letter from the Queen and flowers from Renfrewshire Council by Brigadier Alistair Macmillan made the day extra special.
“We could all tell that mum was enjoying herself,” Jillian said.
“She got up for a bit of dancing and certainly enjoyed the cake.
“What a life she’s lived so far. Thank you again to Mosswood.”