A KINGSTEIGNTON pensioner had a shock at her 100th birthday party when the smoke from her birthday cake set off fire alarms.
Mary Hewitt, of Chudleigh Road, was celebrating her milestone birthday with family and friends at the local church hall when the drama happened.
Once the emergency was over, Mary had her wheelchair decorated in balloons, enjoyed some food and a chat while she joined in with singing some ‘Old Time’ chorus songs.
Her granddaughter, Terry, said: ‘I am really lucky to have such a wonderful Nana.
‘We have some lovely times together whenever I come down.
‘I’m proud to be able to share this special day with her. I hope I can do as much as she does and that I live to be 100 too.
‘Thank you to everyone who helps Nana to continue to live at home.’
Despite difficulties with arthritis, Mary lives independently and does most of her cooking herself. This is made possible by exceptional neighbours and local support groups KingsCare and Bluebird.
Born Mary Boulton in Long Street, Arnold, Nottinghamshire, she is the second of nine children.
She worked at Bero self-raising flour, packing and weighing and at Daybrook Laundry.
She married Wilf Hewitt in St Mary’s Church Arnold in October 1940 but was widowed when she was 65.
The couple had three children, Pat, Malcolm and Dawn, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Having lived in Devon for about 60 years, she’s been at her home in Chudleigh Road for 40 years