Family pay tribute to Nora, 100

IN her own inimitable style, Leonora Meek partied away to celebrate the 100th birthday milestone she always told her family she would reach.

And those loved ones travelled across the globe to make sure they were in an Arbroath care home to share the joyous day with their “remarkable” Nora.

Then – as she had often told them she would – the smart, talented Angus lass slipped peacefully away just two weeks later.

So in Canada, Australia and Arbroath’s Lunan Court Care Home it is those wonderful memories of sharing April 19 with such a special figure that have helped soften the grief of her May 3 passing.

Stepdaughter Linda Jones, from Canada, said: “She was truly a remarkable lady.

“She definitely wanted to make her 100th birthday and she always said she would “just go” after achieving it – and that is just what she did.”

Leonora, known to all her friends as Nora, was born in Montrose on April 19 1924.

She started her career as a nurse, working in a local hospital in Leavesden after moving south.

Nora was happily married three times. She moved to Egypt with her first husband.

And with her third husband, Charlie – the love of her life and Linda’s dad – Nora travelled all over the world.

Linda said: “They used to come to Canada to visit us every September.

“They loved the September weather as it wasn’t too hot but it was usually nice and sunny.”

Nora had one brother, Douglas, who frequently revisited Angus.

His family from Australia were at the 100th birthday celebration; nephew Colin, great niece Cas and great-great nephew Thomas.

As an accomplished seamstress Nora made many brides’ wedding dresses and ran a fancy dress business in Commerce Street, making all the costumes herself.

Linda said: “Dad and Nora married in April 1984 and celebrated their pearl wedding together.

“They actually made 34 years together until dad died in 2018.”

The Lunan Court centenary celebration began with a morning glass of Champagne before the delivery of the King’s congratulatory card.

“Nora absolutely loved her 100th birthday day surrounded by family and friends,” said Linda.

“She had a wonderful and varied life and thankfully died peacefully and without pain.”

Leonora Meek’s funeral is at Parkgrove Crematorium, Friockheim on Wednesday May 15 at 11.30am.

CELEBRATION: Family from across the world joined Nora for her 100th birthday party, a fortnight before she died.