Celebrating a Century: Edith Maggs’ 100th Birthday at Abbey Wood Lodge

The 26th of September was a day many of us at Abbey Wood Lodge had been looking forward to for months! For the first time in our lodge’s ten-year history, we finally had a resident reach an incredible milestone—turning 100!

Mrs. Edith Maggs was born on the 26th of September, 1924, in Litherland, and on this day, 100 years later, we celebrated her and her beautiful life! Surrounded by her family, friends, and many members of the Abbey Wood Lodge community, Edith was treated like a princess! In fact, she even looked like a queen with her tiara and sash!

Edith started her day being pampered by our hairdresser, and she looked like a Hollywood starlet! She then attended her party, where she was spoiled with cake, prosecco, gifts, hugs, and love! Her family and friends reminisced about Edith’s life and shared some of their favourite memories with her.

Edith was a very quiet child and didn’t speak until she was 8 years old. At that time, a teacher took a special interest in her and really brought her out of her shell! After that, there was no stopping her as she developed her quick wit and charming sense of humour.

During World War II, Edith worked as a secretary, and she would walk from Litherland to Liverpool (almost 6 miles) to get to her job. In addition, she fulfilled her civic duty during the war by climbing to the roof of the Richmond Sausage Factory to watch for fires in the area. She was only 17 at the time!

After the war, Edith decided to go into nursing. Her first job was at Walton Hospital, and she spent her career working in various hospitals in different roles. For some time, Edith even cycled from Liverpool to Derby to serve as a midwife.

Edith met her husband, Laurence Maggs, early in her nursing career, as he was a prosthetist. Sadly, their marriage came to an early end when he was diagnosed with a grave medical condition and passed away. Edith never remarried and never had any children, though many of her friends agreed she would have been an amazing mother, due to her caring nature!

Later in life, Edith became a Matron in Bootle, then rose to the position of Matron of the Ormskirk and District Hospitals. Unfortunately, when the NHS abolished the role of Matrons in the 1960s, Edith decided to retire.

Her retirement was by no means the end for Edith! She volunteered as a magistrate in her community and even had a bit of a quarrel with the Home Secretary at the time! She was also a member of the Chiropody Association and served as Chairman of the Board of Prison Visitors at Walton Jail.

In her “free” time, Edith was an avid traveller, journeying all over Europe, Canada, the USA, Australia, and one of her favourite destinations—India. She loves all animals, especially cats, and is one of the most fashionable ladies we know!

Earlier this month, we put up a Facebook appeal asking members of the public to send Edith a birthday card. We were hoping to get 100 cards to mark her 100th birthday, and we are currently at 69 and counting! Thank you to those who took part! The most exciting card, however, came from Buckingham Palace, signed by King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla! In fact, the ‘King’ himself was present to give the card to Edith!

Happy birthday, Edith!