Manchester Centenarian Shares Secrets to Long Life: "I Never Chased Men!"
A Manchester City fan celebrating her 106th birthday has revealed her secret to a long and fulfilling life: "I never chased men!" Mary Spiers, born in 1918, just before the end of the First World War, has also attributed her longevity to a lifelong aversion to smoking and alcohol, along with a healthy dose of humour.
Mary's life has spanned two World Wars and countless societal changes. She was in her twenties when the Second World War broke out, losing her boyfriend, a member of the Royal Air Force, to the conflict. This heartbreak led her and her two sisters, Dorothy and Ruth, who also lost their boyfriends during the war, to remain unmarried. The three sisters shared a home in Handforth, Cheshire, where Mary lived independently until recently.
"I don't drink, I don't smoke, and I don't chase men!" Mary quipped when asked about her longevity. "You just get up and get on with the day. You live every minute, and you don't realise it's all piling up."
She credits her sense of humour for helping her navigate difficult times. "It's not been all happy," she admitted, "it's been sad in lots of ways."
This week, Mary, who now resides at Bowerfield House care home in Disley, received a birthday card from King Charles and Queen Camilla. This is her third royal card, having received one from the late Queen Elizabeth for her 100th birthday in 2018 and another from King Charles last year for her 105th birthday.
Following an appeal by the care home for well-wishers to send Mary cards, she has received over 250, exceeding their initial target of 106. Mary was overwhelmed by the response: "I'm flabbergasted. I'm mesmerized by it. I've heard they've even been sending them from abroad. I can't take it all in. It's like a dream. It's the day of days."
Mary's life has been full of experiences, from working as a cleaner, weaver, cinema usher, and factory worker, to even contributing to the restoration of General Montgomery's car during her time at Chrysler. Her father, a doctor's assistant who received a medal for bravery during the First World War, instilled in her a strong work ethic and a love for her family.
Despite the challenges she faced, Mary always found a way to find joy. "We didn't need anyone else, we had each other," she said of her sisters. "We had enough." Her unwavering positive outlook and ability to find humour in everyday life seem to be key ingredients in her recipe for longevity.
Mary's infectious laughter and quick wit are as sharp as ever. She still enjoys sharing her favourite one-liners with family, friends, and staff at the care home. "A boy went to the Labour Bureau for a job," she quips, "The lady said 'Yes?' He said 'I want to be a comedian?' She said 'Are you trying to be funny?'"
Mary's unwavering support for Manchester City Football Club is another testament to her enduring spirit. Born just three months before the end of the First World War, she has witnessed all but one of the club's 34 major honours, having missed only the first-ever FA Cup win in 1904.
Her cousin, Henry Hesketh, 89, who is now her next of kin, summed up Mary's character perfectly: "She's always got a joke for you every five minutes. You just have to laugh. She's just a happy person. And I think that's why she's still with us because she looks on the bright side the whole time."
Mary Spiers's story is a testament to the power of a positive outlook, close family bonds, and a good sense of humour. As she celebrates her 106th birthday, she continues to inspire with her wit and resilience, proving that age is just a number.
