We celebrated Iris Mary Goodall’s 100th birthday on Saturday 21st March with a party of her family and friends, plus a very special guest – the Mayor of Fareham.
Born in 1915, Iris (known by her family and friends as Mary), was the adopted daughter of respected coal merchant, Bill Howse and his wife Daisy, who lived in the Old School House in Ropley. Mary never married – the love of her life died during the war and her love has remained true to him throughout the years. Trained as a nurse, Mary became the Theatre Matron of Edgeware General Hospital in London. She moved to Southampton in 1975, when she retired from nursing and resided in Bitterne; becoming an avid member of the Bitterne Historical Society. Mary has always been close to her brother and sister and loves her nieces and nephew, who all grew up in Southampton.
Mary’s nephew, John Knight said, “Not only am I secure in the knowledge that my Aunt is safe and comfortable at Heights but that there are people prepared to go that extra step. Aunty Mary’s 100th birthday celebration was a prime example of this with all the staff, on duty and off duty, putting themselves out with extraordinary efforts and compassion to ensure the day was very special.”
Our residents and staff began the party celebrations with a slideshow from 100 years ago; looking at the fashion, transport and landscape of the time. Mary’s friends, relatives and special guests, David Norris (the Mayor of Fareham) and his wife Pamela, made the milestone birthday one to truly remember.
Many happy returns to Mary on her 100th birthday.
