Manchester Woman, 106, Celebrates Birthday With Royal Card and Humour
Mary Spiers, born in August 1918, has witnessed the world change dramatically. Her life has spanned two world wars, the rise and fall of empires, and the dawn of the digital age. But as she turns 106, she credits her longevity to her sense of humour and a simple philosophy: "I don't drink, I don't smoke, and I haven't chased men!"
Mary and her two sisters, who also never married, spent decades living together in the Cheshire village of Handforth. Their lives were shaped by the Great Wars, losing their boyfriends to the conflict. Despite the hardships, Mary's positive outlook remained steadfast.
She now resides at Bowerfield Court care home in Disley, near Stockport, where she recently received a birthday card from King Charles and Queen Camilla, her third royal greeting after receiving cards from Queen Elizabeth and King Charles for her 100th and 105th birthdays, respectively.
Mary's milestone birthday has sparked a wave of well wishes. An appeal by the care home for people to send cards to the avid Manchester City supporter has garnered over 250 cards, exceeding their initial target of 106.
"I'm flabbergasted," Mary said, overwhelmed by the response. "It's like a dream. It's the day of days."
Mary's life story is a tapestry woven with the threads of a bygone era. Born in Manchester during the final months of the First World War, her father, William, served as a doctor's assistant during the conflict and was awarded a medal for bravery.
After spending several years in Southampton, the family returned to Manchester, where William established a furniture business. Mary, a hard worker, held over 14 jobs throughout her life, ranging from cleaner to weaver to cinema usher. She even worked at Chrysler, the car company, where she remembers working on General Montgomery's vehicle.
Her sharp memory is a window into the past, allowing her to vividly recall the horrors of the war. "I remember the bombs, the incendiary bombs, everywhere shattered," she shared. "Once you've heard one, you never want to hear another one."
Mary's close-knit family provided her with a strong support system throughout the years. "We didn't need anyone else, we had each other," she reminisced. "We had enough."
Despite the challenges they faced, Mary and her sisters found joy in their shared experiences. "We went away together, we did the housework, the decorating, and the gardening," she explained. "It's all been interesting. I wouldn't have missed it for the world."
Now surrounded by caring staff and new friends at the care home, Mary continues to spread her infectious humour. Her favourite pastime is sharing one-liners, a talent she inherited from her family. "A boy went to Labour Bereau 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 love for Manchester City runs deep. A lifelong supporter, she has witnessed all but one of the club's 34 major honours, the exception being their first FA Cup win in 1904. She remains a devoted fan, listening to every match on a small transistor radio and cheering on her favourite players, John Stones, Ruben Dias, and local boy Phil Foden. "I'm really pleased when they win," she said.
Mary's cousin, Henry Heslketh, 89, describes her as a truly remarkable woman. "She's been wonderful," he said. "As a child she used to do a lot for me. But all my life she's been there. We're very proud of her."
Henry credits Mary's longevity to her positive outlook. "She's always got a joke for you every five minutes," he explained. "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."
As Mary celebrates another year, she embodies the resilience of a generation that has endured incredible hardship and change. Her story is a testament to the power of humour, family, and a positive outlook, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, life can be an enriching journey.
