A much-loved Great Grandmother is celebrating her 100th birthday today!
Agnes Kelly has an amazing five great grandchildren, eight grandchildren, four children plus in-laws.
It has been a tough time for her, not being able to see her family as much as she would like during lockdown.
So her family launched an appeal for people to send her 100 birthday cards to wish her well – and were inundated.
Her daughter, Margaret McMullin, said: “Thank you so much everybody. Mum received over 400 cards, numerous bunches of flowers and so many balloons. The kindness of strangers!
“Mum was born in Liverpool and was the eldest of four. Sadly, she is the only surviving sibling.
“She left school at 14 and worked in a variety of places the main one being Freeman’s, on Wavertree Road, Edge Hill.
“During World War Two she was a teleprinter in the ATS.
“Her postings were far and wide, including Bournemouth, Howarth, Chester and finally the Cotton Exchange in Liverpool.
“Mum met my Dad, Edward Kelly, at a tea dance at St Dunstan’s in Liverpool.
“Agnes and Edward Kelly celebrated their wedding day on 23rd March 1945. Everything was rationed. Mum used a borrowed dress and a cardboard cake, with only one layer real due to egg shortages!
“The wedding reception was in her parents’ house. The piano in the lobby was played by Edward’s brother, Harry.
“Dad as Scottish but they lived in Liverpool before moving to Ainsdale in Southport 35 years ago. They were happily married for 63 years before Dad died in 2012.
“Mum has four children plus in-laws, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
“The latest great grandchildren were born during lockdowns and are named for their grandchildren and grandparents.
“Little Agnes lives in London, little Edward (Teddy) is in Ainsdale. Covid restrictions mean she hasn’t been able to give them a cuddle yet!
“Mum loves to do quizzes and her general knowledge is amazing. When her sight was good she cracked cryptic crosswords in no time at all.
“We asked for cards to be sent to make the day special as due to Covid we aren’t allowed to celebrate in any great numbers.
“Her care home, Connell Court on Weld Road in Birkdale, has been fantastic and kept everyone safe during the pandemic.”
Her granddaughter, Amy Crawford, said: “My Nan was a long-standing Ainsdale resident and now lives in a care home in Birkdale.
“Ahead of her 100th birthday we would love to get her 100 cards for 100 years.
“Whether you know her or not, please send her a birthday card and make an old dear smile!”
People are being asked to send birthday cards to:
Agnes Kelly,
Connell Court residential care home,
Weld Road,
Birkdale,
Southport
PR8 2DL
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