A GRAN who joined the army during the Second World War will celebrate turning 100 this week - and her family hopes people across St Helens will join in wishing her a happy birthday.
Ada Adcock, nee Ada Leyland, was born at 21 Grant Street, St Helens - now the site of the Asda superstore on October 7, 1920 - the second of five children.
Ada attended York Street and then St Mary's School where she left at the age of 14 to go to work in a local glass factory in the enamelling room.
She joined the army in 1938, working in munitions, and was stationed in several locations throughout England.
Ada in her uniform in 1942
When based in Leicester she met Graham Adcock at a dance and they married at the end of the war in 1944 in St Helens Parish Church, where she recalled “the weather was lovely, and the Church square was completely packed with onlookers”.
The pair had two children Janet and Graham and moved to Parr.
Her husband Graham died aged 48 of a heart attack, and Ada worked at a Bulls Head green grocers for many years before working at a nursing home until her retirement.
In 1990 her daughter and family then moved to America, where she would travel every year to spend time with them.
She continued to do this until the age of 92, never missing a year.
She got to travel a lot in the US, many trips to Florida including Disney world.
She holidayed in Las Vegas, and almost every year visited Atlantic City, as she loves to play the slots.
Due to coronavirus Ada will be separated from her family for her special day, however, her daughter Janet wanted to share her mum’s life story and wish her a special message on her landmark birthday.
Janet said: “It's due to travel restrictions and self-isolation requirements.
“I do manage to talk to Mum each day and will use be using WhatsApp or Facetime to see and talk to her on her special day.
"Unfortunately due to covid it will be modest event with a small group of close family and friends but I hope everyone will help by wishing her a happy 100th birthday.”
sthelensstar.co.uk
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