Family remembers ‘remarkable and talented’ centenarian ‘Nora’

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 also often told them she would do – the smart, talented and far-travelled 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. In her early years, she visited the town beach every single day.

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.

With her third husband, Charlie, the love of her life and Linda’s dad, Nora travelled the world.

As an accomplished seamstress, she made many wedding dresses for local brides in Arbroath, as well as fancy dress costumes for her shop.

Leonora Meek with Angus Lord Lieutenant Pat Sawers and Depute Provost Linda Clark on her big day.