Celebrating 105 Years: Maureen Hastings, Family Matriarch

An extraordinary milestone is approaching as Maureen Helena Hastings prepares to celebrate her 105th birthday on December 8, 2025. The elder sister of the late renowned hotelier Sir William Hastings, Maureen is regarded by her family as the “absolute matriarch.” Her daughter, Hilary Spears, frequently visits her at the Kirk House Residential Home and describes her mother as a vibrant great-grandmother with a remarkable sense of humour.

Throughout her life, Maureen has enjoyed recognition for her longevity. She received birthday cards from Queen Elizabeth on her 100th and 101st birthdays, as well as a financial gift of £2,212 (approximately €2,540) from Irish President Michael D. Higgins for her centenary, accompanied by a commemorative medal and letter.

A Life Rich in Experience

Born in east Belfast in 1920, Maureen is the eldest of five children. In the 1940s, she worked in the City Treasuries Office at Belfast City Hall. Despite societal pressures for married women to leave their careers, Maureen and her colleagues, affectionately known as the “City Hall Girls,” forged lifelong friendships, balancing their personal lives with their professional aspirations.

She married Hugh Bailie, a newly qualified teacher, on July 4, 1945. Together, they had five children: Paul, Diana, Ashley, Hilary, and Roy. After Hugh became a headmaster, Maureen transitioned to a position as a secretary at Brackenber House School for Boys. Following Hugh’s untimely passing in his early 50s, Maureen sought a quieter life in Bangor, where she later remarried.

In 1978, she married Willie Wright and moved to Donaghadee, where she produced some of her finest paintings. Her artwork often reflects the beauty of the seaside town, showcasing quaint cottages and scenic coastal views. After Willie’s death, Maureen met Jim Kernaghan and married him in 1996, embarking on a new chapter filled with travel and adventure.

Enduring Connections and Vibrant Spirit

Maureen’s lively spirit continues to resonate in her current living environment. Hilary notes that her mother enjoys engaging with visitors and sharing stories from her past. “She loves talking to people,” Hilary said. “She lives independently and is quite sound of mind. She is very interesting to talk to.”

Throughout her life, Maureen has received four coins from the President of Ireland, commemorating her 101st, 102nd, 103rd, and 104th birthdays. Hilary expressed immense pride in her mother, stating, “She is incredible. She loves people, that is what keeps her alive.”

Despite the loss of many friends and family members, including her brother, Sir William Hastings, Maureen remains a beacon of joy and connection. She has been described as one of the most visited residents at Kirk House, where her sharp mind and love for crosswords and poetry continue to flourish.

Reflecting on her mother’s life, Hilary mused, “She was very ambitious; if she was born now, it would be interesting to see where she would go.” As Maureen approaches this remarkable birthday, her family, friends, and community celebrate not only a remarkable life lived but the enduring legacy of an inspiring matriarch.