COVENTRY Blitz survivor Mary Lock, believed to be the only woman appointed as a Civil Defence Fire Guard instructor in the city during the Second World War, celebrated her extraordinary life of service as she turned 100 today.
And to mark the marvellous milestone, Mary’s family organised a whole load of special treats for her, including an invitation by Earl Spencer to meet him at Althorp next Tuesday.
On Monday, the Curate for St Mark’s Church Glenn Lowde visited her and, during the meeting, Mary let him know she was still as keen as ever to help others.
Members of the Friends of the Hospital of St Cross visited Mary earlier today as she is their oldest serving member.
The centenarian also received a personalised letter from the Bishop of Coventry Christopher Cocksworth, which was hand-delivered and read by Rev Tim Cockell, who also blessed Mary and thanked her for a life of service.
She also received a card from King Charles III and Queen Consort and another from Princess Alexandra, wishing her well.
Mary was only 17 years old when her family home in Three Spires Avenue, Coundon, was destroyed in relentless German bombing raids on November 14, 1940.
Her family survived the blast but ten of their friends and neighbours in the street perished during the Blitz, and her mum died shortly after due to the stress meaning Mary and her two younger sisters were left homeless and taken in by an aunt in Keresley.
Mary went to take up her Civil Defence role and then, after the war, she and her late husband Clive, a teacher, settled in Rugby.
Mary ran two wool shops and the pair had two children, Michael and Jennifer.
She now has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Michael said: “She’s in very good health, sharp, good-humoured, engaged with life and has a lot of wisdom.
“It’s just lovely she seems to have the energy to receive and enjoy all these wonderful honours she has been gifted with.
“My sister Jenny and mum’s brother-in-law Peter have been absolute stalwarts to her in recent years so this is a celebration of them too.
“It’s wonderful she’s in such good health and getting the celebration she deserves and it’s amazing she still has a passion and purpose in life to help others.”
