100th milestone for Mary
Cake and wee party
She loves to watch quiz shows and is a big fan of antiques programmes Trish Aitken
Antiques show fan Mary Kennett may well be older than some of the vintage items which pop up in her favourite programmes.
But, unlike most of them, she is priceless - especially to her family.
Born and bred in Callander, the former WAAF celebrated her 100th birthday on Wednesday with family and friends.
Now a resident of Ashlea House Nursing Home in the town, Mary Margaret Kennett - also known as Margaret - was born nearby on January 29, 1920 at 3 North Church Street.
While she never married or had children of her own, she played an invaluable role in the lives of her wider family.
And on Wednesday one of her nieces and her extended family were on hand to join in the celebrations at a special party held at the home in her honour.
As a young woman Mary did mostly shop work. But when World War II struck she joined the Women’s
Auxiliary Air Force - known as the WAAF - serving her country.
Her mother died just a few months before she left the services and she went to live with her sister and her husband in England, but only six months later she headed north to look after her brother and her two young nieces Jennifer and Margaret for several years when her sister-inlaw passed away.
When her brother died some years later her nieces then moved in with her.
It was only a few years ago that Mary moved into Kirk Care sheltered housing where she lived before moving to Ashlea House three years ago.
Ashlea manager Trish Aitken said: “Margaret has a lovely family. Her niece Margaret, who lives locally, just adores her.
“We had a wee party in our lounge for her. She was quite happy and her family brought a beautiful cake. It was a great occasion.
“She loves to watch quiz shows on TV and is a big fan of antiques programmes. She’s a great character.”
Asked what her advice would be to anyone hoping to live as long as she has, Mary said: “Just take each day as it comes.”