DERRYLIN’S very own Sarah (Sadie) White celebrated a very special birthday last weekend. Many of us think about what it would be like to live until we are 100. Unfortunately, few of us will actually make it, but Sarah had the pleasure of celebrating her 100th birthday last weekend.

Originally from Aldergrove, Co Antrim, Sarah grew up with a strong fishing background. In the early years of her life, Sarah moved to Belfast and spent time there as a housewife. Around 50 years ago, Sarah made a home in Killnakelly, Derrylin and was a resident there until recently. Sarah was married to local Derrylin man Kevin Scarf who passed away a number of years ago.

Sarah’s nephew Hugh Murphy is very proud of his aunt and helped her celebrate the occasion last weekend. Sarah celebrated in style with her family at her current residence at the Graan Nursing home. Sarah’s family and friends all gathered for a small party in honour to celebrate the joyous occasion. 

“It’s lovely to be able to celebrate my aunt’s birthday. Up until about six weeks ago she was living on her own in a stone cottage in Killnakelly. Recently she has moved to the Graan Nursing home and she loves it in there. She is a great woman for a chat and she always has loads of different stories to tell. She’s a good woman to go and visit.” said Hugh Murphy.

Sarah is the last remaining member of a family of 12. Sarah was very fond of her family and her nephew Hugh, has many lovely memories of her from when he was growing up.

“I remember when we moved down to Belfast in 1952, I was only 11 or 12 at the time. I always remember getting a big brown box from aunt Sadie filled with toys and books. She was very good to us when we were growing up.”