Margaret stays at Whitdale Care Home and earlier today the residents, staff, friends, family and invited guests held a special party for this very special woman.
Margaret took it all in her stride and told us that she says she has had good life, but has no desire to be really old! She also said that the secret to her long life has been hard work - having begun her working life at 14 years old.
Here is Margaret's amazing story:
Margaret was born in Dalmeny, at her granny`s house on 26 April 1925 and she had a remarkable entry into the world.
Those helping at her birth thought she had passed away until her granny saw a small pulse at the side of her head and placed in her a bath of warm water to revive her....and here she is 100 years later.
Although born in Dalmeny, she grew up in Stoneyburn and spent most of her life there, apart from school holidays which she spent at her granny's house.
She was one of 4 children having 2 sisters, Jeannie (who was older), Olive, and a brother George (both younger). Margaret is the last surviving sibling.
Margaret`s older sister, Jeanie, was close to her. So much so that when Jeannie started school, Margaret cried and cried and the school allowed her (Margaret) to start school a year early, and she went through school with her sister.
They then worked "in service" in a large household in Edinburgh to a Professor and his family. Margaret was the table maid and Jeannie worked in the kitchen. After this Margaret worked in Bangour Hospital, also in the Plessey Electronics factory in Bathgate and then at Tippethill as a kitchen assistant.
Margaret met her husband, Tom, at Fauldhouse Miners club and they married a year and a half after meeting. When they married her husband was in the Army and stationed in Newcastle, where they lived for a short time. They had one son, Gordon, whom they both adored - Margaret called him her golden boy.
In her younger years, Margert enjoyed knitting, and keeping up to date with current affairs. She liked watching her TV Soaps and enjoys her daily read of the newspaper. She also enjoyed bowling, both indoor and outdoor. She always had a wee budgie and loves when one of the staff at Whitdale brings her budgies in for a visit. Margaret was an active member of Brucefield Church. She had many friends and one in particular, Sadie, (who was her neighbour) has been a constant visitor over these many years. Margaret visited her brother in Portsmouth for holidays and she helped to look after her grandsons when they were small.
Margaret enjoys an occasional sherry or a wee whiskey and lemonade, or sweetheart stout. She enjoys a nice meal and good traditional food.
Sadly, Margaret`s husband, Tom, died in 2009.
Margaret moved into Sheltered Housing in Whitburn around 2015 and enjoyed her time there, and the company. At the age of 96, she decided herself to move to Whitdale Care Home in August 2021. Her sister also lived at Whitdale Care Home and they would spend every day together, with Margaret walking along to visit Jeannie and catch up on old times. Jeannie passed away aged 99 years. Margaret`s son Gordon was married to Tracy, whom Margaret treats like a daughter and they have never had a cross word. Tracy is constant visitor and companion for Margaret. Very sadly Gordon died at end of 2024 and so her birthday is tinged with some sadness. Margaret has 2 grandsons - Andrew, who lives in Australia with his wife Laura and their 5 - year old daughter Frankie (Margaret`s great grand-daughter); Colin lives in America with his wife Stacey.
West Lothian's Lord-Lieutenant Moira Niven MBE joined guests at the party earlier today to present Margaret with flowers where she proudly displayed her letter from the King Charles.
Moira said: "It was wonderful to meet Margaret and wish her a happy birthday. I loved hearing her life story and she is clearly loved by all her friends, family, and staff at Whitdale."
Happy Birthday Margaret. Have a great day celebrating
