There were jubilant celebrations on Friday afternoon in Lisnaskea as Kay Harvey turned 100. Emily Kathleen Harvey née McClelland celebrated her 100th birthday in Gortacharn Nursing Home alongside her three children, Ken, Shirley and Garry.

Speaking to this newspaper, her family said: “We are thankful for the blessing of her reaching the wonderful age of 100 and being able to share in celebrations with her.”

Kay and all the family were delighted when Lord Brookeborough visited on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen to present Kay with a birthday card.

Kay was born to Samuel and Elizabeth McCelland on October 1, 1921 at Drumaraght, Lisnaskea. She was one of five children.

Her family spoke about her early life and said: “Mum grew up in a farming family and went to school at Stranafeley, Lisnaskea. Following her education, she helped out on the family farm, caring for animals and assisting her parents.”

Met in the early 1940s

She married her husband, William Harvey from Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, in June, 1944, at Aghavea Parish Church. The pair had met in the early 1940s and they welcomed three children into their family – Ken, Shirley and Garry.

They raised their family in Kilmore Green, Lisnaskea.

Son Garry added: “Mum very much enjoyed the role of a wife and mother and helped with various financial collection services in the local community. She also loved looking after her two grandchildren, Linda and Jenny.”

Mrs. Harvey was a keen home baker, and her son added: “She loved baking and sharing her results with family and friends.”

Mrs. Harvey will be familiar to many people in Lisnaskea for time spent with her sister and best friend, Dorrie.

Garry added: “Many local people will remember the two ladies, who both loved clothes and jewellery, going about their business in Lisnaskea.

“Dorrie always did the driving and mum was her co-pilot; they covered many miles, visiting friends and family in their little car.”

The pair also enjoyed playing the card game Whist together.

Mrs. Harvey was widowed in 1987, and she continued to spend time with her family and developed many close friendships in the local community.

Garry continued: “She loved socialising and meeting new people, and was an active member of the Church of Ireland parish in Lisnaskea.”

Mrs. Harvey now lives in Gortacharn Nursing Home, Lisnaskea, where she has resided since 2012. Her family added: “She has settled into her new surroundings and a new way of life.”

Speaking on behalf of the entire Harvey family, Garry added: “The family wish to extend their thanks and gratitude to all the management and staff of this exceptional care home for all the love and attention they have shown and lavished on Kay.”