Slane native celebrates her centenary

A Slane woman who emigrated to England to train as a nurse 70 years ago has just celebrated her 100th birthday, much to the delight of her relatives still living in County Meath and her many friends in the UK. Mrs Elizabeth Bustin (nee Sheeky), from Creewood, went to England on the outbreak of World War II in 1939. Known to most as Betty, she qualified as a nurse three years later, in 1942, winning a gold medal in recognition of her achievements during her training. She then went on to qualify as a midwife and moved out of London during the war to the relative safety of Aberystwyth in Wales. Here, she continued her midwifery and met her future husband, a Londoner, Ted Bustin, whilst sheltering in a pub from the rain. They have three daughters who still live close to Betty. Betty"s special day was celebrated at the Greenhill Residential Home and was attended by numerous family members, friends and people who worked with her over the years. She remains a great inspiration to her family and was full of life and energy throughout the day"s celebrations. She was able to read her birthday cards without the assistance for spectacles. Some habits do die hard, though. Betty carefully unwrapped all her gifts and insisted that all the beautiful wrapping paper be kept for re-use. After all these years away from Ireland, Betty is still very proud of her Irish roots and was thrilled to be recognised by the President Mary McAleese in the form of a letter of congratulations and the award of a Centenary Bounty. This honour was accompanied by a Papal Blessing and a letter from Queen Elizabeth II of England.