Bohemia Village Voice

By Sarah Janes (Aug 2010)

Mary Housman

Paddington-born Mary, who turned 80 on 12 July 2010, is a well-known face around Bohemia, especially in the Café 67 where she often tackles up to five crosswords a day.

“I’m very happy in Bohemia: everybody seems to know me. I moved here 18 years ago: when I first walked into my house it felt so welcoming, just as if someone had put their arms round me.

I’m a real cat-lady: I have three cats: Jessie, Tom Tom and Jay; my house is full of cat pictures, models and ornaments. In my working life I was a telephonist and receptionist. I have a daughter, Carol, two grandchildren, Paul and Tracy and two grandchildren, Lucas and Ella.”