South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 24 January 1942

90th Birthday    

Numerous congratulatory letters and greeting cards have been received this week by Mrs. Mary Ann O’Neil, 22, Schofield St, Mexborough, who celebrated her 90th birthday on Sunday. A native of Lincolnshire, Mrs. O’Neil has lived in Mexborough for over 43 years, coming from Doncaster, where she was married in 1877.

Her late husband, Mr. Henry O’Neil, was for many years School Attendance Officer for Mexborough. He died during the last war.

Mrs. O’Neil, who has no family, looks and feels far younger than her years, and manages to do all her own housework. She is one of the oldest and best-loved members of St. George’s Church, which she still attends when weather permits.

Her husband was a warden there for many years, and among the letters Mrs. O’Neil received on her birthday was one from Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Hudson, of Cleveley who formerly lived at Mexborough. Mr. Hudson being a churchwarden at the same time as Mr. O’Neil.

The fact that it was Mrs. Neil’s 90th birthday was announced by the B.B.C.on Sunday in its “Anniversaries” programme.