Celebrating 102 - A Century Of Memories
When Jessie Clark looks back on her life, there’s a lot to remember – and to be thankful for.
The centenarian will be 102 years old on July 4 and says her secret to a long life is “dancing and having fun”.
Jessie plans to do both when she celebrates her birthday with family and friends - including her closest, Jean - at Renaissance Care’s Rosepark Home in Uddingston, where she has lived since 2022.
“I love when my family and friend Jean come to visit,” she says.
Jessie was born in Aberdeen in July 1923, the year the BBC launched its first radio broadcast from Scotland, in an attic in Glasgow’s Bath Street.
She had five siblings – four brothers and sister, Adeline.
Her earliest memory is of her mother, Kate, who “saved up stamps to get a big pram. I had a big doll that I used to push about in it, until my little sister arrived and I’d proudly push her about in it!”
Jessie also recalls how people were envious of her curly locks.
I’ve had a good life. I just like looking after people. Making them happy makes me happy
Jessie, Resident at Rosepark
“When I was younger I had long curly hair, everyone used to say they’d love to have my hair! I said, ‘have it! I don’t want it!’”
Jessie went to King Street School in Aberdeen and left at the tender age of 14 when she landed a job as a weaver.
She operated three looms during the Second World War, weaving white cotton for uniforms for sailors posted overseas.
“It was hard work but good pay!”
Her proudest moments were getting married to John in 1941 and raising their daughters, Helen and Irene.
Unsurprisingly, Jessie loved to go to local hall dancing when she was younger and fondly recalls: “I always won the best dancer!”
Later in life, Jessie moved to Bothwell to be closer to her family and became a popular figure at the local bowling club, where she played regularly until well into her 90s.
Jessie laughs when asked if there’s anything she could have done differently.
“No, I’ve had a good life. I just like looking after people. Making them happy makes me happy,” she says.
Her advice is to “just get on” with life and be thankful.
She added: “Work hard and count your blessings.”
