Royal wishes as Jean marks 100th milestone
It was a special celebration for Bannockburn native Jean Hamilton last week as she marked her 100th birthday with a special message from the monarch.
Jean, who was born on February 4 1920 at Lower Craigs in Stirling, is the oldest of a family of five children and held court over her four brothers in her younger years.
She attended Craigs School and Riverside School before heading to Manchester to work for the WAAF as part of the war effort.
After returning from down south. she met and married husband John at Marykirk Church in Stirling in 1944 and the pair moved to addresses in Bannockburn, most latterly Davidson Street in the town, where she remained for more than 60 years even following the passing of John in 1976.
In terms of family, the pair had son John and Jean also dotes on a total of seven nieces, as well as a growing brood of younger family members.
In her younger years she became heavy involved in the local community and, in particular, was a well-kent member of the congregation at
Ladywell Church in Bannockburn.
She is now resident at Fairview Care Home in the town after recent ill health.
Niece Doreen Dewar, 68, told the Observer: “She’s just an amazing person and has always had a lot of time for people.
“She’s always a busy lady and could knit or cook up a storm and that’s what made her so well known at Ladywell. She’s very well liked and known by the congregation and the minister still makes sure to nip in and visit her at the home.
“As for a secret to her long life, I don’t really know but she’s always been a very fit and has looked after herself.”