Whitehaven woman celebrates centenary with Salvation Army

Deputy Mayor and local community turn out in force to celebrate Whitehaven woman turning 100!

A Whitehaven woman has marked her milestone birthday in style with a community celebration and special visit from the Deputy Mayor of Whitehaven Town Council.

Louisa (Louie) Leishman has been part of the Whitehaven community since she was born in the town in 1925. Her mother then joined The Salvation Army in Whitehaven bringing two-week old Louie to the church where she is still a member today, recently enjoying a party at the community centre to celebrate reaching triple figures. 

Living through World War II, where she worked for The Salvation Army’s military services in Whitehaven and Millom, Louie took on the role years later of Sunday school record sergeant at the church, with one of the Sunday school children now being the Deputy Mayor of Whitehaven Town Council, Cllr Chris Hayes, who attended the celebrations to mark Louie’s 100th birthday at The Salvation Army’s church and community centre, located on Catherine Street. 

With no living immediate relatives and having never had children, Louie has found the comfort and company in life of the local Whitehaven community with many turning up in force to celebrate her centenary and still lives independently in the town. 

Louie said: “These birthday celebrations are just wonderful; I’m not used to being made a fuss of, I received 70 cards! I have lived on my own now for a very long time and focus on just living each day. I take one day at a time, not planning for any more, because life is a blessing, tomorrow isn’t promised. It’s important to keep going but to also get rest when I need it. I try to live every day to its fullest, the best way that I can.”

Included in guests celebrating the milestone birthday were members of key organisations from Louie’s past – staff from Dixons Department Store, which has been part of the Whitehaven retail scene for over 140 years and was Louie’s first job at the age of 14, and staff from the local hospital where Louie worked within the laundry industry for two decades until she retired at the age of 60. 

Major Steven Watson, church leader of The Salvation Army Whitehaven said: “Louie has been a significant part of the town of Whitehaven, and The Salvation Army, for decades so it felt only right to mark the milestone achievement of her 100th birthday!

“Seeing the turnout on the day for Louie’s birthday party and the fact that the Deputy Mayor joined with us in our celebrations reflects what an important part of the community Louie is. She leaves a positive impression on everyone that she meets and is a mother figure to a lot of people. We were only too pleased to ensure her centenary was memorable!”