Longford resident who helped make ammunition in the war turns 105

Growing up on Winwick Road for most of her childhood, Mary Catterall was born on February 27, 1918, in Widnes, one of six children, before moving to Warrington when she was four.

Mary attended St Ann’s Primary School in Orford before going on to secondary school and leaving to start work at 14.

Having worked hard throughout her life in many jobs, Mary’s first regular wage was from being a maid for the manager of Woolworths store on Sankey Street.

After that she went to work at Cockhedge Mill, a weaving mill back then which is now a shopping centre in the heart of town. Mary worked on the machines in the factory.

Edging into her mid-20s, Mary began making ammunition at Rubery Owens factory during The Second World War, where she met her husband to be, Richard Catterall in 1942.

Mary Catterall celebrates her 105th birthday (Image: Supplied)

The pair married in Richard’s hometown of Wigan at Hey Church and soon after Mary fell pregnant with her first child, Edith.

Richard worked as an ambulance driver throughout the war and her daughter Edith recalled how growing up, they would often vacation around the UK, with one of their cherished holiday spots being Talacre Beach in North Wales.

“My dad had a motorbike with a side car when we were young, so we would go there and rent a little cabin when I was four,” Edith said.

Mary went on to have another two children, Geoffrey and Adele and as her family has kept expanding, she now has four great grandchildren too.

After having children, she began working again at the old fish market for a few years before retiring at 60 to care for her sick husband, Richard.

Speaking of her strong character, daughter Edith said: “She has always worked hard, all her life. She always wants to help people and has been doing so up until late in her 90s.”

Mary Catterall celebrates her 105th birthday (Image: Supplied)

Mary now suffers with dementia and lives at Florence Mill nursing home in Howley, where she has comfortably stayed for the past eight years.

Sadly, Richard died on the Christmas Eve of 1978 of an illness but Edith explained how Mary still thinks he is alive and living in a separate nursing home.

“She always says to me, ‘tell him I love him’”.

“She is very loving, always smiling. She always wants to help people.”

As the illness of dementia has affected Mary’s memory over time, Edith said she often asks her daughter her age.

“She keeps asking me how old she is and every time I tell her she always says, ‘I should be pushing up daisies’.”

“She has a great sense of humour,” Edith added.

A hobby Mary cherished for many years is knitting and she was known for knitting outfits for rag dolls and donating them to charity shops within the community.

Mary Catterall celebrates her 105th birthday (Image: Supplied)

Reminiscing on the war times, Edith told the Warrington Guardian how her mother was a talented singer back in her youth and when her friend started a dance band, she often would perform in different venues and dance halls across Warrington.

“She had a great voice and she loved singing,” Edith said.

The carers at Florence Mill nursing home, located on Egerton Street, organised a birthday bash for Mary last month.

They also organised entertainment in the form of a live singer for Mary and the residents to enjoy.

Jeanette Beardsall, activities coordinator at the care home said Mary’s birthday celebrations were ‘fun-filled’.

“The day started off with a trip to the hair salon,” she said.

“Then to the office to meet Catrina Smith our new home manager and then we dropped off at the kitchens to see her cake for her birthday.”

Jeanette explained how Mary shared the joyous celebrations with family members and friends.

They enjoyed a buffet, bucks’ fizz and lots of entertainment.

“The next day Jeanette was back to her jigsaws,” she added.

Summarising her mum, Edith added: “She is just a lovely mum who has always tried to do her best for me.”

Mary Catterall celebrates her 105th birthday (Image: Supplied)