ONE of Coventry’s oldest residents celebrated her 104th birthday last week in the company of friends and family.
Mabel Williamson celebrated the big day on Monday (February 6) at Herald Lodge carehome based in Canley.
Born in Atherstone in 1913, Mabel was the youngest of three children while her family managed a local sweet shop.
After living through World War I, Mabel moved to work at the Coventry Gauge and Small Tool factory in Coventry at the start of World War II – which is where she met her husband, Bert.
The pair married in August 1946 and moved into their first house in Dunchurch Highway, where they spent their married life.
Bert and Mabel has one daughter, Susan, who was born in December 1949.
Once Susan attended secondary school, Mabel took a part time position at Suttons Bakery while continuing with her hobby of dress making and knitting.
Susan later married – and Mabel had the pleasure of making her daughter’s wedding dress.
Mabel, who has never been abroad, said the secret to living a long life is to be healthy and happy.
She said: “I have always looked after myself, never really been a drinker or a smoker.
“It’s about being good to yourself and being happy.”
Throughout Mabel’s life, she has been present amid a host of dramatic changes – including two world wars, England’s World Cup success in 1966, the change from shillings to pounds and pence and Neil Armstrong’s moon landing in 1969.
Her talent for cooking even bagged Herald Lodge first place in the Ideal Carehomes’ Mince Pie Bake Off at Christmas.
Home manager Rachel Hallinan said: “Everyone here at Herald Lodge had a great time celebrating Mabel’s 104th birthday.
“Mabel is a real character and is really popular here with both staff and other residents – she had a great time and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family.”
