Mary was born Mary Keenan in James St, Hamilton in 1923.

She was the eldest of five siblings. Her brothers were John, Dominic, Martin and her sister was Clara. She is the only surviving member.

She has lived in Hamilton all her life moving to Strathaven Road, then Hall Street before moving to her married home in Jack Street.

She left school at 14 and entered domestic service for a few years. She then worked in Stobhill and Hairmyres hospitals before taking a job in Frasers Biscuits in Hamilton where she stayed for 16 years.

She then worked in the offices at the Rolls Royce Factory in Hamilton before ending her working life as a school cleaner.

She married her husband William (Bill) in 1968 but was sadly widowed around a year and a half later.

Mary loved her holidays abroad but today she is quite happy with a wee fish supper which she loves. She remains very close to her nieces and nephews.

She moved into John Smith Court in 2009 after living in Arden Court for a number of years.

Unfortunately South Lanarkshire Provost Margaret Cooper was unable to join Mary to celebrate her birthday but Deputy Lieutenant for Lanarkshire David Russell was able to make it to the party at her council-run sheltered housing complex.

If you would like the Provost to attend a Diamond Wedding or 100th birthday please get in touch with the Provost’s Office.