Centenarian marks 100 years with Christmas lights switch-on and sherry
Mary Norris was born just days after the end of the First World War, on 3 December, 1918, and never married. She is the last surviving sibling of ten, and will celebrate her birthday at St Andrews Court in Uphall, Edinburgh, with a glass of sherry.
During the Second World War she worked in munitions factories, thinking of her five brothers serving in the forces to keep herself motivated.
Mary said: “We worked all through the early morning, throughout the day and into the night. Five of my brothers served in the war – three were
in the army, one was in the air force and one was in the navy. Thankfully, they all made it home. I’d like to think I helped them.”
The hardy pensioner has never set foot outside Scotland, and after the war she worked as a cleaner at Crawford’s on Edinburgh’s Frederick Street. But when her mother became ill, Mary looked after her until she died in 1959. In 2003, Mary moved into St Andrew’s Court.
Housing manager Lynn Mccusker said: “Mary is always on the go. She is out most days, and goes to church and visits Holmes Gardens day centre. She’ll occasionally treat herself with a trip to the hairdressers, too. I know that she’s very excited for her telegram from the Queen. She’s even been asked to go and switch on the Christmas lights in Uphall. She loves to dance and enjoys a sherry, so maybe that’s the secret.”