24th April 2025
Sanctuary
Stockport was buzzing with celebrations as Sanctuary resident Mary Gay, affectionately known as Tessa, celebrated her 105th birthday.
Tessa has lived at Mitchell Close for 24 years, having originally moved there with her late husband, Jack, who she met in 1939.
The pair wed and worked for the British aircraft manufacturer, Fairey Aviation, at Heaton Chapel in Manchester, with Tessa working as the office typist.
After Tessa’s sister suddenly passed away, Tessa ended up working as her replacement in the fashion industry, buying clothing for different fashion brands, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
Tessa and Jack had two children, Jean and Cliff. Cliff now lives in British Columbia, Canada, with his four children, while Jean lives nearby with her three children.
Tessa and Jack were drawn to their Sanctuary home at Mitchell Close by the ability to still have a big garden but no responsibility to look after it. This was especially important for Tessa, as she always enjoyed spending time outdoors.
Unfortunately, Jack passed away in 2014. Tessa described him as “a gentle, cuddly man who made me his everything… we had a happy life together.”
When asked about the secret to a long and fulfilling life, Tessa replied “being strong- willed!”
Our Community Housing Officer, Zoe Dawson, along with the Lord Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Suzanne Wyatt, visited Tessa to mark her birthday milestone, which is understood to make her Stockport’s oldest resident.
Zoe said: "Getting to know Tessa and hearing about her life has been a pleasure, and she is loved by all at Mitchell Close.”
