A Pinner resident received letters from some very influential individuals as part of her 100th birthday celebrations.
Gretta McArdle was born in Southern Ireland on June 10, 1924, and moved to London in the early years of the Second World War to work for the American Army.
Speaking to Pinnernews, her daughter Jill explained that Gretta has had a rich life, with lots of experiences living with her late husband Michael in London, Belfast and Pinner, where she has lived for more than 60 years.
Before Michael passed away in 2000, the pair welcomed four children, Jill, Justin, Jane and Ken, but Jane sadly passed away aged just seven. Both Jane and Michael are buried at Pinner Cemetery. Gretta has grandchildren and extended family all over the world.
For her 100th birthday, Gretta received a card from Their Royal Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, as well as a letter from the Irish President Michael D. Higgins and Pope Francis. The letters were personally delivered and presented by Father Vincent of St Luke’s Church in Pinner.
Jill said: “She has always been an active person. She worked up until age 85 and had a career in banking and then working for her son Justin’s business. She knows the Metropolitan line very well!
“She also is very proud of her appearance and even at 100 has her hair and nails done regularly! We as a family cannot believe mum has reached 100, maybe a testament to her childhood being brought up on a farm in Ireland and having been so active all her life. We love her loads!”
Gretta celebrated at Abbotsford Care Home with champagne, cakes, presents and Facetime calls from friends and family across the world.
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