By Nance Ebert
Contributing Writer
FRAMINGHAM- Living 100 years is a rare milestone. Kathleen Garvey marked her 100th birthday on Thursday, April 16 and celebrated with other residents of St. Patrick’s Manor retirement community.
Glenda Thomas, who has worked for Garvey for almost four years helping her with her bills, stated that Garvey only moved into St. Patrick’s in February. She was having knee issues and was concerned about outliving her money. She and one of her younger brothers found this new home for her.
Photo/Glenda Thomas
Independent and astute
“Kat is such an independent and astute woman. Even though she has challenges because she is legally blind and has difficulty hearing, she has adjusted nicely to her new environment,” said Thomas.
Born in 1926, Kathleen and her husband, Thomas Garvey, both grew up in Wayland. While they did know one another, they did not become a couple until many years later. When she was thirty-two, Kathleen and Thomas married two days after Christmas and resided in Acton. He had recently returned from military service. They were married for thirty-two years when he passed away.
“I never really wanted to get married and, while Thomas was very persistent, I always said when hell freezes over, I’ll marry. Well, I guess it froze,” she said laughing.
Traveling the country
Thomas worked initially at the local post office in Wayland and then in Acton and Kathleen enjoyed being involved in the women’s auxiliary that the postal worker’s wives had organized. She even held the role as president of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) Auxiliary. They were both very active and traveled the country to national conventions as delegates, making friends wherever they went.
While they never had children, Kathleen always had a dog and reminisced about a poodle that she especially loved.
“We lived in a split-entry ranch style home, and I came home one day to find my dog laying on her back squealing. She had an accident on the steps but the way she looked at me, I could only laugh and not get mad. She knew that was a no-no,” said Garvey.
Held many jobs
Garvey held many different jobs but one that she especially enjoyed was being the manager of Hebert Candies store, which was located in Framingham at the time.
“I still absolutely love milk chocolate,” she said.
When asked how she felt about turning 100 or what the secret to her longevity is, Garvey just chuckled.
“It’s just something that’s happening. Naturally, I’m not able to do many of the things that I used to enjoy like gardening and cooking, but I have worked hard all my life and made many friendships. Perhaps because I never had any children to worry about,” she said.
Framingham Mayor Charles Sisitsky and City Councilor Phil Ottaviani visited with Garvey on her milestone birthday and presented her with a proclamation.
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