'Cause for celebration': Glasgow-born woman Mary turns 100

Mary Wade was treated to an afternoon tea supplied by “Your Wee Red Bus” and enjoyed the company of family and friends.

Deputy Lieutenant Sir Harry Burns read the congratulations from the King and presented Mary with her birthday card from the King and Queen, while Provost Mary Montague presented her with some beautiful flowers.

Provost Montague told the Glasgow Times: “It was an honour to meet with Mary and help mark her special 100th birthday with her.

"To reach 100 years of age is a fantastic cause for celebration.

"It was so lovely to chat with over afternoon tea and also find that we had our role as teachers in common.

"As Provost, I’m lucky enough to meet so many interesting people so I was delighted to be invited along to commemorate this day and receive such a warm welcome.

"Many happy returns Mary, it was a pleasure to share this joy with you, your loved ones and your many friends.”

Mary, the second youngest of five, including three brothers and one sister, grew up in Glasgow's Southside, near Shawlands.

In the early 60s, along with her parents, she moved to Aurs Road in Barrhead where she still lives today and where her birthday celebration was held.

Mary has enjoyed the company of fantastic friends and neighbours during her life.

When starting a job as an office secretary, she met a lifelong friend in Helen McAnsh later MacLeod who started on the same day as her at Scottish Amicable Life Insurance in the summer of 1940.

Mary remained a great friend through all of Helen’s life and was bridesmaid to Helen and godmother to Helen’s son George MacLeod, who attended Mary's birthday celebration along with his wife Rona.

After the death of her mum, Mary's neighbours Eleanor and Willie Dougray helped her as much as possible.

The centenarian used to teach shorthand and typing at night school and was very well thought of by all her colleagues.

She also enjoyed sequence dancing in her younger years.

Anne Marie Kennedy who manages Your Wee Red Bus and was at the celebration.

She said: “Since coming to Barrhead, Mary has been a member of the Bourock Church.

"Her friend Ann McMillan, who is also a member of the church, visits her weekly.

"Up until lockdown Mary was very sociable in the local community, enjoying weekly visits to the EU church café, café 158, café 136 and the Include Me 2 Club hub.

“Mary enjoys a good chat and would love meeting and catching up with people along Barrhead Main Street.

"She attended the friendship club at the EU church and loved coming out on the Wee Red Bus to our afternoon teas and shopping trips."

Among those who also joined Mary in celebrating her birthday, were her nephew Robert Wade from the Netherlands, her neighbour Eleanor and her daughters Janice and Lindsay, as well as Ann, Janice Connery and Ellen her cleaner.  

Over the last few years, Mary has had East Renfrewshire Council carers coming into her home four times a day providing care and a chat.

Several of her home care staff who have supported her past and present brought her a lovely 100th birthday chocolate cake and several flowers, chocolates and gifts.  

"It is very clear there is a great relationship between Mary and her carers," added Anne Marie. 

"Several of Mary’s neighbours and friends from the church dropped in with cards and gifts and she received in excess of 60 birthday cards.  

"Mary would like to thank everyone for the cards, flowers and gifts she received and to all the home care staff who came along to wish her happy birthday, even on their day off."