Last updated 05:39, Friday, 12 September 2008

Mary Jane Graham travelled to Canada and to most of the countries in Europe – and yet she always loved her home city of Carlisle and was very fond of the Lake District, where she walked and climbed in her younger days.

Big day: Mary Jane Graham celebrating her 100th birthday at Blackwell Vale Nursing Home in Carlisle with friends and family

And those days were a long time ago for Mrs Graham was 101 when she died in a Carlisle nursing home, after a full life during which she taught and motivated so many children.

As Mary Armstrong she was one of four daughters born in St Stephen Street, just to the south of the city centre where her father, Thomas William, was a black and white smith and journeyman.

Her education took place at the Ashley Street School and she went on to train as a teacher at Rivington, between Horwich and Chorley in south Lancashire.

Once qualified, she returned to Carlisle and taught at the Bishop Goodwin School, in Currock until she retired in 1971.

Although she did nor have a family of her own, her connection with children was always strong and she gave elocution lessons and taught many to play the piano. She was also involved in the Girl Guide movement.

She was a member of the Carlisle Choral Society and lived in Currock and later in Stanwix until she reached the age of 98.

Her travels included a trip to Canada in 1939 when she flew in an open cockpit bi-plane manufactured by the Fleet Aircraft company of Fort Erie, Ontario – and when she somehow managed to visit the USA without a visa.

Returning home just before the outbreak of World War Two, she became a member of the Royal Observer Corps, whose task was to plot the movements of hostile aircraft.

In 1953 she married Richard Graham who, for whatever reason, was always known as Stan. He was a company secretary and director and the couple enjoyed many trips abroad, to most of the countries in Europe and to the Mediterranean islands.

He died in 1983.

When she was 100, Mrs Graham was treated to a recital by the choir from Upperby School.

Her funeral took place at Carlisle Crematorium, with Co-operative Funeralcare making the arrangements.