Tributes have poured in for a 106-year-old woman who worked various part-time jobs including being a cleaner but always made something out of nothing to provide for her family.

Mary Nolan a resident at Carter House, in Raynes Park was called ‘Grandma’ by all residents and staff and spent nine years at the care home.

She died in her sleep on February 10 with her funeral taking place at East Surrey Crematorium on March 10.

Mary's daughter, Mary Downes, 73, said: “My mother spent a lot of years at Carter House and the staff all thought a lot of her, as she was such a character.

“Last year, Mary had her 106th Birthday and the home put on a lovely party where she received a telegram and a birthday card from the Queen.

“Over the years my mother became very frail and passed away peacefully, she was a very strong lady and it was marvellous to have her around for some many years.

“As a family we are so grateful that she did not suffer, she never took any medication and just used to take paracetamol if she was ill.

“To be on no medication at that age is incredible. She was an incredible mum and had an incredible life and made the most of what she had and us as her children couldn't wish for better during some difficult times."

Mary was born on May 30, 1911 in West Hartlepool and was the eldest of 17 children.

Mary moved into the care home in 2009 after previously living on Whatley Avenue, Raynes Park.

After several falls at her home her family decided that she could no longer live on her own and went into a care home.

Mary who worked in domestic service and various cleaning jobs met her husband Henry in West Hartlepool, County Durham.

When Henry was unable to find work in the North East, he came down to the south to find work and secured with scaffolding of Great Britain as a qualified carpenter and joiner.

Mary moved with her husband after they married in 1937 just before the outbreak of the Second World War.

Mary said: "After the war it was difficult to get meat, but she was able to get the meat that we needed and make a great pan of stew with vegetables which lasted a couple of days, there was not a lot of money around those days, but she made it work."

Mary was mother to three children, Brian, Robert and Mary and had a number of hobbies which included gardening and knitting.

Her daughter Mary said:"She loved knitting and made jumpers for all of her children and as she got older she couldn't follow patterns as of much but still loved gardening.

“My brother died suddenly at the age of 42 which was a great shock to all the family.

“In 1993, Henry also passed away aged 83-years-old after a long illness but she still remained very strong.”

Mary leaves behind five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Mary said: “The family wish to thank all the staff for their excellent care of looking after their mother during her nine years there, we couldn’t have wished for better.”

Hilma Dunn, manager at Carter House said: “She was a strong character and would tell us what to do.

“She got quite fragile during her time at the home as she suffered with dementia which made her less out-going but she was still bubbly and pleasant.

“She was a lovely lady to look after."