Lily is blooming great at 100-years young
Great-gran celebrates milestone at parties
Work hard, play nice – that’s the secret to a long life, says Lily Duffy.
And she would know, having just celebrated her 100th birthday.
Lily’s eldest daughter Liz Cameron says that her mum’s longevity is down to no shortage of elbow grease and being kind to everyone around her.
Liz, 69, told Paisley Daily Express: “My mum loves her family and has worked hard all her life. “She likes to do things by herself. “She broke her hip nine weeks ago but she still likes to keep herself busy. She gets herself ready and cooks.
“She doesn’t smoke or drink either, so that must be her secret.”
Daughter Liz says she was delighted to be able to celebrate with her mum at a big birthday bash on October 25 to mark her 100th birthday.
“My mum was panicking. She told me she woke up on Thursday and thought, ‘Oh thank goodness I am still here. Everyone has thrown this party for me so I had to make it!’
“She has a great sense of humour.”
Lily was spoilt rotten at her party – the local post office treated the great-gran to flowers, chocolates and balloons while Greggs donated a delicious cake.
Warden Margaret Bailey works at Farrier Court, where Jean has lived for the past 25 years, said all the staff and residents were honoured to celebrate with the much-loved OAP.
She explained: “Lily is the nicest woman I have ever met. She is a great person and she looked absolutely fantastic.
“Up until recently she only needed to take our arm for help walking – she is such a lively lady.
“She had a great time at the party. She told us she felt like she was in a dream.”
Lily, who was born in Glasgow, moved to Johnstone before embarking on a whirlwind romance which saw her wed hubbie John McGowan.
John swept Lily off her feet when they met at the dancing in the town and the pair got hitched when Lily turned 29.
They settled down and raised four children together before John sadly passed away at the age of 63.
Today Lily is kept busy by all her kids as well as her six grandchildren and eight great-granchildren.
Liz said “She is such a happy person, singing all the time.
“She has been a really wonderful mother and it is great to see her get to 100.”
After celebrating at her sheltered accommodation, friends and family treated Lily to a second party to celebrate the milestone – meaning she had double the treats.
Liz said: “We’ve got her lots of different presents, party balloons and a cake.
“It will be great for us to all come together to celebrate.”