Leitrim native celebrates her 100th birthday in USA

A Drumcong native who emigrated to America over 50 years ago celebrated her 100th birthday recently surrounded by family.
Mary Moreton, nee Harvey, originally from Drumcong, Co Leitrim emigrated with her husband and family from Farnaugh, to Brooklyn, New York in 1966.
She celebrated being 100-years-old on February 10, with her family in Phoenix, Arizona.
Mary was the youngest of nine children of John and Bridget Harvey of Drumcong.

Mary and husband Pat Moreton (now deceased) went to America with their two youngest children, Angie and Liam, in 1966, and they quickly settled in Brooklyn, New York.
They lived near their three other children, daughters, Vera, Bridie and Lily, who had emigrated to America earlier.
It was a big step for Mary and Pat to sell their home, farm land, and all of their other belongings in Ireland and travel to a new country.

Although they missed the old sod, they never looked back! In the 1970s, daughters, Vera and Bridie, moved their respective families to Phoenix, Arizona and Mary and Pat followed suit.
Mary celebrated her big birthday surrounded by her daughters, Vera and husband John Curley, Bridie and husband Pat Mulqueen, Lily and her husband Christy McCoy, Angie and husband Boyd Hunter, and her son, Liam Moreton.
Most of her ten grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren were also present and a fun time was had by all.
Mary received birthday wishes and gifts from her longtime friend, Annie Moreton and family.
Her daughter Lily told the paper: “She was shocked by all the attention she was getting from pictures and comments posted on Facebook as well as by all of the birthday wishes from extended family and old friends living in New York, Ireland, Canada and even India!”

Her grandson, Ken Mulqueen, created a video of her life story, which included her favourite song Lovely Leitrim.
Mary is a strong woman and attributes her longevity to “working hard, staying very active, and eating well.”
She lives an independent lifestyle in her own home and enjoys daily visits from family and friends. She loves reading, watching game shows on TV, and playing cards every Thursday.

Her daughter Lily said, “We are so happy that Mary is doing well and can still keep up with us - she is well on her way to 101!”