101-year-old Salisbury care home resident shares the secret to a long life

 

A 101-year-old Salisbury care home resident has revealed the secret to living a long and happy life.

Mary Flower, who lives at Care UK’s Salisbury Manor on Shapland Close, celebrated her 101^st birthday on 14^th October with her family, residents, and team members.

Mary, who was born and raised in Stroud, left school at 14-years-old to complete an apprenticeship in hairdressing. Shortly after, when World War II broke out, Mary worked at Griffin Mill in Thrupp helping to build gliders, before falling pregnant with her first child.

Mary met her husband, Lamorock Flower, at a dance in 1942. The pair married in 1943 at the Holy Trinity Church in Stroud and together had two children, Julia and Peter, who have since welcomed three grandchildren into the family. 

Reflecting on her many happy years, Mary shared her secret to living a long life: ‘Being spoilt! I’ve been spoilt all my life, especially by my dad and husband.”

To help make Mary’s birthday one to remember, the team threw her a special surprise party, complete with balloons and a birthday cake specially made by the home’s talented Head Chef.

Commenting on her big day, Mary said: “It was the most wonderful surprise, I said I didn’t want a party but I’m so glad I got to celebrate with the ones I love, and the best part was sat chatting with my family about happy times we’ve shared.”

Skye Williams, General Manager at Salisbury Manor, said: “We love to celebrate special milestones at Salisbury Manor – and Mary’s 101^st birthday certainly called for a huge celebration!

“It was wonderful to see Mary surrounded by her loved ones to mark such an incredible milestone. The team worked hard to make sure her special day was one to remember, and we would like to thank everyone who came along to raise a glass to Mary!”