Life and soul of the party
Irene celebrates 100th birthday
A centenerian “felt like the queen” as she celebrated her landmark birthday in style.
Irene Picken was surrounded by family and friends – a few special guests – as she marked the occasion with a party.
He r m i l e s t o n e 1 0 0 t h celebrations brought four generations of the family together at her Paisley care home from across the country.
Irene’s daughter Morag Campbell says her mum, who grew up in Market Rasen in Lincolnshire before moving to Scotland with her husband, revelled in being the centre of attention.
“She told us that she felt like the queen looking around everyone. She had a great day with all her grandchildren and great grandchildren around her,” she said.
“She had cousins up from down south, everyone made a big effort.”
And it wasn’t just family on hand to help her celebrate her big day, Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron and Deputy Lieutenant Sandy Stoddart popped in too.
Morag added: “She was so happy with her card from the Queen and a telegram from the Deputy Lord Lieutenant.
“It was so nice of the Provost Lorraine Cameron to come and see her as well.”
Irene worked in the hospitality industry, climbing to the position of hotel manager before she met her future husband James, who was servicing in the Army at the time.
The pair married in 1945 and moved to the Paisley area, where James lived.
They set about making a life for themselves, having three children Morag, Tom and George.
Following the mournful passing of her husband James 30 years ago, Irene devoted a considerable amount of her time to charitable works.
“My mum did lots of voluntary work.
“She worked with Save the Children, Cancer Research and she helped at the WRVS shop in the RAH. Her voluntary work was very important to her,” Morag continued.
“We used to go on coach trips to Wales and she loved flower arranging.”
She has been residing at Hunterhill Care Home in Paisley since 2010 and hasn’t looked back since.
Morag added: “My mum has loved every minute of her time at the care home all the staff and everyone are so friendly, it is like a family.
“I would like to thank all the staff for helping organise her party and everyone that came along on the day. I’d also like to thank