100th Birthday Celebrations
Warm birthday wishes to Mrs Mary Hawkes of Resthaven Leabrook, who celebrated her 100th birthday on 25 September, 2020.
Mary was born in Stone, Staffordshire (a small market town in the United Kingdom), the fourth of five children. She was educated by Sisters from the local convent.
Like many girls her age, as a young woman, Mary learned shorthand and typing, which served her very well in her long working life. Her first job was in a cake shop, but she recalls that, unfortunately, the cakes were very good, and not good for her waistline!
Mary married Albert Hawkes in 1944, in a small celebration, due to travel restrictions and rationing. Their only daughter, Roslynn, was born in 1945.
Whilst in Stone, Mary enjoyed working as the Office Manager for the local newspaper, where she rose to the challenge of organising the young reporters, and enjoyed hearing all the local gossip firsthand.
In the early 60s, the family moved to Poole, in Dorset, where Mary worked for the Max Factor cosmetics company. Lots of free samples were available to the staff, which started her love of cosmetics (and perhaps explains her still-lovely complexion).
When Ros married and moved to Australia, Mary and Albert decided to join them, first moving to Port Lincoln, then Adelaide.
Mary’s favourite job whilst living in Port Lincoln was working in the library at the local school, where Albert was a teacher.
Mary moved into Resthaven Leabrook around five years ago. She enjoys the companionship and social activities, and is ‘very happy’.
Having always been keen on fitness, Mary attends sitting exercises at Resthaven Leabrook twice weekly. As a younger woman, she had always loved dancing, and attended the Women’s League of Health and Beauty each week.
Mrs Hawkes has enjoyed good health, although recent eye problems have meant her sight is diminishing. She puts her good health down to ‘good genes and moderation’. She is always calm.
Mrs Hawkes celebrated her milestone birthday with a small party at her daughter’s home, where she enjoyed her favourite dish, prawn curry, followed by trifle.
Mrs Hawkes continues to dress for the occasion, with makeup and nails beautifully manicured (thanks to her time with Max Factor). She now has four granddaughters and six great grandchildren.
Her advice to younger people is to ‘Be yourself’.
Wise words!