A SPRIGHTLY Limerick woman was blowing out candles to beat the band as she entered her ‘triple digits era’.
Knockaderry woman Mary Cussen recently turned 100, and well deserved celebrations were held for the loving mother, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother in the Castletroy Park Hotel.
Four generations of the family gathered at the Castletroy Park Hotel for the centenary celebration, with Mary’s nearest and dearest travelling from far and wide to be there for the occasion.
Mary was joined on the special occasion by her children, Anne, Marie, and Maurice, along with her brothers Seamus and Nicholas Liston, aged 93 and 97, who travelled all the way from the USA and Canada for their sister’s big day.
The party was described as one filled with “joy, laughter, and a reflection on a life well lived”.
Mary’s son Maurice shared some loving words about the 100-year-old Knockaderry native, who later moved to Limerick City to raise her family.
Her eldest granddaughter, Lisa, also took to the microphone to share some heartfelt words on how much the adoring grandmother and great grandmother – known as ‘Supergran’ – has touched the lives of her family and friends.
The Limerick centenarian received a letter from another well-known Shannonsider, President Michael D Higgins, who recognised the milestone birthday with a beautifully written letter which is now proudly hung on the wall of Mary’s room.
Her children said Mary is perhaps best known for her “kindness, vibrant spirit, and her keen eye for beauty and fashion. Her wisdom and strength inspire us every day”.
They said that their mother’s 100th birthday festivities were “not just a celebration of her life, but also a reminder of the bonds that unite us all. Here’s to many more memories and celebrations to come.”
