She's a former ice cream seller from South Shields who is related to Dr Who star Peter Capaldi.
And now Mary Capaldi is among a small group of centenarians to receive a card from King Charles III to mark her 100th birthday before his official Coronation. The much-loved grandmother celebrated her special day with a vintage-themed party for her friends and staff at Ashlea Mews care home.
Mary, who was born in South Shields in 1923, spent her birthday reminiscing about her life and sharing memories of her time working as an ice cream seller in Whitley Bay for the family business, Whitney Ice Cream Company. During World War II, Mary - who was one of six children - was evacuated to family in Italy where she stayed until the end of the war.
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Mary married her late husband, Frank, who was also in the ice cream business, in 1950. Through marriage, Mary is related to former Doctor Who star, Peter Capaldi, who was her husband’s second cousin.
The couple ran the family ice cream business in Whitley Bay before returning to South Shields when their son was born. Mary went on to work at their family’s Espresso Bar, Staiano’s on Frederick Street.
After receiving her birthday card from King Charles III and Queen Consort, Camilla, Mary revealed her secret to looking young.
“Well this is lovely," Mary said.
"I’ve had a happy life. I think the secret to looking young is that my little bit of make-up goes a long way!”
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