Parkmanor Resident Celebrates her 105th Birthday
20th April 2017
Isabella Young has revealed the secret to a happy life as she celebrates her 105th birthday - 'live your life the way you want'.
Isabella toasted to her 105th birthday over the Easter weekend surrounded by her friends at Park Manor Nursing Home. The witty and funny centenarian is certainly no ordinary 105 year old. Isabella, who grew up on the Woodvale Road, travelled around the world with her husband Edward, who sadly passed away in 1994, visiting the likes of America and Canada. It was in the company of her sisters that Isa would often have fun, especially when they would take trips up to Portballintrae. She said: “I remember Dora and I used to stay in the house above the shop. Portballintrae was my favourite place to go, it had beautiful scenery for walks.”
She met her future husband Edward at the Shankill Road Mission but she admits he didn’t take her eye to begin with.”I didn’t think Edward was handsome at first but he used to bring my mother a dozen eggs from Woodburn every week,” she said.”My mother used to say to me I should ask that young man in and one day I did.”
Edward and Isa married in St. James’ Church on the Antrim Road in 1932.”I must have wanted a flashy wedding to pick St. James’s,” she smiled.
“Edward was a very good man and very good husband. A don’t have a happiest memory with him because every day with him was a happy one.”
A keen knitter, Isa was always very proud to see nieces and nephews wearing her creations.
“I loved to spend time with the children in the family, and would often look after my niece Anne’s children. This sometimes had it’s challenges too though! I remember one time Anne’s daughter Julie locked the garage door and lost the keys – we couldn’t get the heating on all weekend!”
On Easter Sunday, staff Park Manor Nursing Home in Dunmurry help Isabella celebrate her 105th birthday. Not only was there cake and candles, but the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast was also in attendance to award the birthday girl a badge from the Queen.