Mabel Boyle, celebrating her 100th birthday at Fazakerley House Care Home in Prescot, said she still feels “about 50” and that the secret to a long life is working hard, keeping busy, and going dancing.
A Century of Memories
Born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Mabel grew up as one of eight children, with two brothers and five sisters, all of whom she has now outlived. She never expected to reach this milestone, saying, “I never thought I would live until 100.”
At age 22, Mabel left Scotland for Liverpool after meeting her husband, Edward, a Scouser, while serving in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS). Edward was a paratrooper, and the couple settled in Edge Hill. They had four children—Julie, Edward, William, and Joanna—though their marriage later ended in divorce.
Fond Memories of Service
Mabel’s time in the WRNS remains among her favourite memories. She told the ECHO: “I loved it. I loved every minute of it. I used to serve meals to the sailors who came off the ships. They were very nice. I didn’t marry one of them. That was a mistake.”
She also enjoyed the social side of service life, particularly dancing. She said: “I still feel about 50. The secret to a long life is working hard, keeping yourself busy, and going out dancing. Go out and enjoy yourselves.”
Family and Roots
Mabel has “quite a lot” of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, though she has lost count. She said: “They come to see me as often as they can. Family's the most important.”
Having worked in a care home herself, Mabel now celebrates at Fazakerley House, where staff prepared a party with balloons, decorations, and a ukulele band. Despite living most of her life in Liverpool, she often travelled back to Aberdeenshire. She said: “I would jump on the train and go up and see all my family. I miss it quite a lot. But I love Liverpool. I love all the people and everything about it.”
