Parishes
4 February 2008
Mabel Inglis of Eldon Lodge in Paraparaumu was congratulated by Fr Bruce England and the congregation for having attained her 100th birthday on Saturday, November 17.
Speaking in a clear voice, Mrs Inglis told of her wonderful life and her ongoing aims in life.
‘I want to make people happy and to make them laugh.’
She said turning 100 years old had not made her feel any different from the way she was before.
Mrs Inglis was presented with a bouquet of flowers, a candle and gifts by Fr England on behalf of the St Patrick’s parishioners.
After Mass she cut a cake in the church foyer which was shared out.
Her birthday had been celebrated in the company of her two daughters, Rosemary Shardlow of Paraparaumu and Joan Hague of Dorset in England and other family and friends.
Among the many congratulatory cards she had received from the Queen, the prime minister and members of Parliament was one she particularly treasured. It was a papal blessing received from Pope Benedict XV1 which she had framed.
The Mass was a celebration of the generations.
As well as Mabel’s 100th birthday celebration, it was a combined school and parish Mass and pupils from St Patrick’s School took part in the readings and the liturgy.
Graham and Colleen Hooper renewed their marriage vows on their 50th wedding anniversary and secondary school leaver, Stephen Ryan, was presented with a scholarship by Fr England on behalf of the Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of Wellington.
The Sunday Mass was a wonderful celebration of youth and years for St Patrick’s parish.
However, Mabel Inglis did not get to celebrate her 101st year for long. She slipped away peacefully in her sleep on January 24, 2008.
Photo: Mabel Inglis cuts her cake.