Derry
Derry woman, 108, receives Boston Post Cane
Catherine Dion, 108, named oldest resident.
DERRY — She was born on Prince Edward Island and came to the states after a squabble with her father. Only 18 years old at that time, Catherine Dion didn't want anyone to tell her what to do.
That independent spirit took the woman far in life.
Dion, 108, celebrated her long life on Tuesday night by being named Derry's oldest resident and the recipient of the Boston Post Cane.
The woman received her cane during the Town Council meeting.
Born on July 26, 1901, Dion's long life has included two marriages, two children, and many years living and working in the Lawrence and Andover, Mass., areas. She worked in textile mills, cleaned homes, and went on to be someone who loved the outdoors, hard work, and family values.
"And I never told anyone how old I was," Dion recalled. "I didn't look my age."
Dion drove until she was 97 and continued to help rake the yard until she was almost 100.
The Boston Post Cane began as a marketing program by the Boston Post newspaper's publisher Edwin Grozier. According to legend, the newspaper gave 431 ebony canes to New England communities in 1909 to be awarded to each town's oldest living residents. Only men received the canes until 1930, then women had the chance to be honored for their longevity. Awarding the cane has become a New England tradition in the years since.
Derry's first Post Cane came to town in September of 1909 and was presented to the town's oldest citizen, 92-year-old Patrick Gillespie. Derry's previous cane holder, Wilfred Bernier, passed away in June of this year at the age of 97.
Following Bernier's death, town historian Richard Holmes said several months needed to pass out of respect for the family before trying to locate the person to be the next cane holder. The recipient had to be a Derry resident for at least five years.
As for Dion, Holmes said she has lived in very interesting times in her 108 years. She was born before an income tax, and witnessed events including the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk, first man on the moon, 10 popes, two world wars, 20 presidents, Prohibition, and the Great Depression.
The woman has had two children, five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren, plus many nieces and nephews. Always a bit feisty and strong willed, Dion is described as someone who appreciated a day of hard work and how it shaped the soul.
"She has always been a proud woman," granddaughter Beverly Proulx said, adding Dion now enjoys each day, starting the morning with a Rosary prayer, and watching the Catholic channel on television. She also enjoys the game show channel and her afternoon nap.
Holmes said Derry's original Boston Post Cane is on permanent display at the Derry Municipal Center. Cane recipients receive a replica.
And Dion is now celebrated as the town's newest cane holder and oldest citizen. Family members agreed Dion is an amazing woman and a role model for everyone in the family. And for Dion, it's almost a near perfect honor to be named Derry's oldest.
"And it I could only hear better, I would be perfect," she said.
Did you know?
The oldest living person in the United States is Mary Josephine Ray, born in 1895 and celebrating 114 years of age. She lives in Westmoreland, New Hampshire, and was born on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Ray is listed officially as the second oldest person in the world behind Japan's Kama Chinen, who is only seven days older than Ray.
- Derry
-
-
Woman celebrates 109th birthday
ALLEGRA BOVERMAN/Staff photos A birthday party for Catherine Dion, who just turned 109, was held at the Pleasant Valley Nursing Center in Derry on Monday afternoon. She was surrounded by many members of her family and residents of the center. She is blowing out the candles on the cake that spell out her name.
Derry's oldest resident was pretty in pink when she celebrated a milestone birthday Monday. Catherine Dion turned 109 on July 26 at Pleasant Valley Nursing Center, where she is a resident.
Continued ... -
Wal-Mart unveils plans for superstore
Wal-Mart officials showed off a bigger and better store plan to Derry planning officials last week.
Continued ... -
Derry sawmill caretaker offers living history lesson
Robert Spoerl takes pride in his job as caretaker of the historic Taylor Sawmill, spending time showing the public just how wood was cut centuries ago.
Continued ... - The bear necessities
- Derry narrows administrator candidate field to two
- Derry planners continue work on rezoning near Frost farm
- Local teens can learn all about TV production
- Derry Rotarians seek auction donations
- The sounds of summer
- Pinkerton students attend national event
- Derry company wins state job training grant
- Residents rock at Beach Party Block Party
- Birch Heights hosts seminars for veterans
- Red Star Twirlers are ready for China
- Derry toddler hurt in fall from window
- No charges anticipated in infant's death
- Derry resident competes at National Wheelchair Games
- derry news in brief
- Sarah Chretien and John Lacroix
- DERRY MEETINGS
-
