Andy Drozdziak
An evergreen Universe reader has celebrated her 100th birthday by saying the secret to her long life is her faith-and to ‘be happy and laugh.’
Catherine ‘Kitty’ Lyons from Nottingham celebrated her 100th birthday on 19th January 2024. She told the Universe: “I don’t feel a hundred years old, and I didn’t expect to make it here. My faith and my work helped me a lot. My advice is be happy, laugh and the world laughs with you,” adding: “Oh yes-keep those children in check.”
One of Kitty’s daughters, Bernadette, paid tribute to her mother. “It’s an incredible achievement. She didn’t expect to reach 100. It means everything to us-it’s so exciting,” she said.
“She’s ever so fun loving. She really valued education. She was always behind us, in whatever we decided to do.”
Kitty’s son-in-law, Michael McKeever K.S.G., contacted the Universe about Kitty’s landmark birthday. Describing her as ‘a regular reader of your paper’, he said: “Kitty continues to entertain everyone who meets her, offering sage advice and criticism in equal measure.
“She attributes her longevity to her faith, which has grown stronger throughout her life, providing an outstanding example to all who are fortunate enough to spend time with her. She has an excellent recall of the past and is still giving advice.”
Kitty was born on January 19th 1924 at Coolkill, near Thurles, Tipperary. As one of 8 children, she grew up on a dairy farm before attending Ballycahill National school and the Presentation Convent in Thurles.
She won a scholarship to Dundrum College, where she studied Home Economics, before working in a number of large houses in the local area.
Kitty came to Nottingham in 1947, where she worked as a nurse for nearly 40 years and attended Mass at Nottingham Cathedral.
She married Dan Lyons in 1952 and had 6 children-Maura, Linda, Bernadette, Eugene, Anne and Angela. Maura and Anne predeceased Kitty, whilst Dan lived to the age of 84.
Michael said: “They were both forever grateful that they were blessed with a long, happy marriage.”
“Two of her children have died, but 2 of her daughters are artists and one has painted a wonderful portrait of her mother depicting her in 1947 in her nurse’s uniform.”
Kitty said: “We never had any money, but we were a happy family, making our own fun and spending our summer holidays on the farm in Ireland.”
Her children went on to successful careers and relationships which have presented Kitty with 14 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren.
Despite living in different parts of the UK, all see Kitty regularly and most will be at her celebratory Mass and party to celebrate her birthday.
Kitty spoke affectionately of her family. She said: “I see my grandchildren and great grandchildren all the time. They are a joy and hearing about their lives interests me and sustains me. I think they boast about their 100-year-old granny.”
PICTURE: In the family picture, the children are from the left: Angela, Linda, Bernadette and Eugene.