TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘popular’, ‘supportive’ and ‘independent’ great-grandmother, who has died at the age of 100.

Emily Neary died from complications of pneumonia on Wednesday September 10 at the Old Vicarage Rest Home in Ivy Bank Road, Astley Bridge, surrounded by family and care staff.

Mrs Neary celebrated her 100th birthday at the Old Vicarage in July and for her special day she received a card from the Queen, a visit from the Mayor and a brass band playing ‘Happy Birthday.’ She is survived by her two sons, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Her son Roy, aged 79, of Heaton, said: “My mother was very supportive of all the family, right down to her great-grandchildren.

“She was independent and even into her late 80s she used to help her older brother with the cleaning. She was from a tough generation of people.

“She was really popular at the Old Vicarage — she was well liked by all the staff and they were great with her in her last few weeks.

“She loved her 100th birthday celebrations. The Mayor was great with her and she was on top form that day.”

Mrs Neary was born on July 7, 1914, and lived in Turton Street, Bolton, and in Great Lever during her younger years.

She was married to William Neary until his death in 1957, aged 42.

Mrs Neary worked at a cotton mill in Lever Street, Great Lever and later in life she worked at laundry rooms in various swimming baths across Bolton.

Before she moved to The Old Vicarage in 2002, Mrs Neary lived in Broad Street, Great Lever.

In her time at the Old Vicarage, Mrs Neary made a positive impression on the home’s staff and residents.

Gabrielle Macdonald, owner and manager of the home, said: “Emily was a good listener and a good observer who was very popular with the home’s residents and visitors. She wasn’t a pretentious lady and she had no airs or graces.

“She was very independent and always wanted to do things for herself.”

Mrs Neary’s funeral took place at Overdale Crematorium in Heaton on Thursday September 18.