An Edinburgh centenarian received a remarkable global tribute for her 105th birthday. Mary Davidson Smith opened exactly 105 cards sent from around the world after her care home launched a public appeal.
Greetings poured into Care UK’s Murrayside care home from as far away as Singapore. Smith also holds a rare distinction among centenarians: she possesses birthday cards from both King Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth.
A Global Tribute and Afternoon Tea
Staff at the facility organized a family day to mark the July milestone. The celebration included afternoon tea shared with friends and prepared by the home’s chef, Jose.
Mary Davidson Smith celebrating her 105th birthday with a family day and afternoon tea.
“This is incredible! I’ve never seen so many cards, and they’re all for me,” Smith said as she opened the mail. When presented with her birthday meal, she quickly added a touch of humor.
“I’m glad you didn’t have 105 candles; I don’t have enough breath for that!” she joked.
From Korea to the Royal Navy
Smith’s life spans continents and major historical eras. Born in Korea, she spent her youth living internationally, with periods in England, Canada, and the United States.
She later enlisted in the Royal Navy. While stationed in Washington, D.C., she met British Army officer Charles Wynard Davidson Smith, who would become her husband.
The couple eventually settled in Edinburgh, raising two sons, Neil and Mark. Smith now has four grandchildren.
Mary Davidson Smith lived internationally during her youth before joining the military.
Reconnecting with History
Smith recently reconnected with her childhood roots during a private tour of the National Museum of Scotland. Museum officials reunited her with a traditional Korean outfit she wore nearly a century ago.
The traditional dress, known as a hanbok or chimageogori, features a hat, bag, and a wraparound jacket.
When asked about her secret to a long life, Smith kept it simple. “I enjoy it – keep on going,” she said, noting that she comes from a long line of relatives who also lived long lives.
Suzanne Welsh, the manager at Murrayside, described Smith as a huge, much-loved part of their community. “The team are super pleased to have reached our target of 105 cards – Mary was overjoyed to have received so much love and well wishes from people all over the world,” Welsh said.
Smith is already looking ahead to her next milestone. She plans to celebrate her 106th birthday with a “good strong whisky.”
