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. Dion is Derry's Boston Post Cane recipient, receiving the honor last fall for being the town's oldest citizen.
Friends and family gathered at Pleasant Valley for the birthday party to celebrate Dion's long life.
She was born on Prince Edward Island, Canada, on July 26, 1901, and lived there until she came to Lawrence at the age of 18. She lived in Lawrence until moving to Derry three years ago. She has lived at Pleasant Valley for about four months.
Dion's long life has included two marriages, two children, and many years living and working in the Lawrence and Andover area. She worked in textile mills and cleaned homes. She loves the outdoors, hard work and family values.
"And I never told anyone how old I was," Dion said. "I didn't look my age."
Dion drove until she was 97 and continued to help with yard work until she was almost 100 years old.
She has two children, five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She has a strong will and a real zest for life. Dion is described as someone who always appreciated a hard day's work.
"She has always been a proud woman," granddaughter Beverly Proulx said, "and to look that good."
Dion's goddaughter, Doris Plantamura, 80, of Methuen, said she played cards on a regular basis with Dion right up until she moved to Pleasant Valley.
"I miss her terribly," Plantamura said.
She said Dion trekked through a blizzard to help deliver her goddaughter.
"She was snow deep up to her waist," Plantamura recalled, "just to deliver me."
When the birthday cake arrived, Dion received a sparkling tiara to wear and gave it her all when it was time to blow out the candles.
She smiled as the cake was cut, and friends and family enjoyed sharing her special day. She said the day would be another milestone in her long life.
"It's beautiful," she whispered to her granddaughter as they enjoyed the party. "It's something I'll never forget. And if I could only hear better, I would be perfect."
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