Hyde woman celebrates 100th birthday surrounded by five generations of family

Later this month, Hyde-born Jean Hollows will celebrate the remarkable milestone of her 100th birthday - surrounded by five generations of family, friends, and loved ones.

Born on 29th September 1925 to Alistair and Anne Elizabeth MacLennan at Muslin Street (now Victoria Street), Jean has lived a life defined by service, faith, and community. Her father had been a regular soldier in the Cheshire Regiment before becoming an engineer, while her younger siblings would also go on to lead extraordinary lives: sister May became a medical missionary to the then Belgian Congo, founding a hospital, and brother John joined the Royal Navy, later settling in Plymouth to work at the Naval Dockyard.

After a short spell in Gee Cross, the family moved to Donald Avenue, with the children attending Leigh Street School and Zion Congregational Chapel. Later, the MacLennan family became long-standing members of the Fellowship Mission on Chapel Street.

When war broke out, Jean was determined to do her part. She first attempted to enlist in the RAF while underage, only to be retrieved by her father. But as soon as she turned 18, she reapplied - against her parents’ wishes - and was accepted into the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). She went on to serve in Bomber Command, working in Lincolnshire, the Midlands, and later in Germany.

Jean, back row 4th from the left, in the WAAF.

After the war, Jean returned home to Hyde and joined the Civil Service. She later married John Horace Hollows, a well-known figure in Hyde as Personnel Manager at Ashton Brothers cotton mills. For a time Jean herself worked in the company’s Welfare Department before resuming her Civil Service career.

The couple raised three sons - Duncan, Keith and Ian - and today Jean’s family extends to grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. This means her upcoming birthday will be celebrated by five living generations, spanning ages four to 100.

For the past 48 years, Jean lived in Woodley, where she was an active member of the community. She has a long-standing connection with Holy Trinity Church, Gee Cross, where she still has many friends and attends the Thursday Club. A naturally sociable character, she was also involved in the WEA, walking societies and other local associations. Well into her eighties she travelled regularly to the east coast of America to visit family, and only gave up driving her beloved Honda Jazz at the age of 98.

Jean and her husband John. 

Now living at Balmoral Care Home in Mottram, Jean remains as spirited as ever. Staff say she still likes to be “involved in the management of affairs in the Home” - a reflection of her independence and her personal motto: “I can manage.”

Jean’s centenary will be marked with two special events: a celebration at Balmoral Care Home with staff and residents, and a large family gathering of more than 80 relatives. Rather than gifts, Jean has asked for donations to Barnabas Aid, a charity close to her heart.

When asked about the secret to a long life, Jean puts it down to her faith and steady approach: “I just lived my whole life sober and I believe in trusting in Christ.”

And her advice to younger generations?

“Just be patient and try to show understanding.”