When Mary Simpson turned 100 years young during the COVID pandemic, it was hard for her family to be there. Back then, they were able to surprise her with a
Mary Simpson celebrates her 105th birthday surrounded by family which includes nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. ML photos by Nancy Reardon
small party outside the Nevins Nursing Home.
This year, the World War II veteran turned 105 and her party was a big tadoo – including two TV news crews! Mary served with the WAVES (Woman Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) of the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1943-1945. She served as an Apprentice Seaman, Seaman 2nd Class and Seaman 1st Class, stationed in Virginia and Washington, DC.
“(The WAVES) were really the precursors to allowing women to serve in the Navy,” Veterans Services Director Paul Jensen told the party-goers. Then, turning to Mary he said, “You’re a real pioneer. You were one of the first. Hundreds of thousands of women in the Navy that have served since owe you a deep debt of gratitude.”
After the war, Mary became a hairdresser. She later worked at Western Electric as a night supervisor until her retirement at age 65. Moving to Methuen in 1964, she raised her two children in their family home on Swan Street.
The longtime Methuen resident – and possibly the eldest resident and oldest female veteran in the city – was celebrated by her family and friends at Nevins over Memorial Day weekend. Mary’s favorite dishes – quiche, a fruit tray and other fine desserts and of course her birthday cake – were served. The Methuen Senior Center’s Happy Hearts Chorus sang a medley of songs to Mary, including the U.S. Navy song “Anchors Away” and everyone joined in singing “Happy Birthday.”
During World War II, Mary Simpson served with the WAVES of the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1943-1945. She received birthday congrats from (from left) Methuen’s Veterans Services Officer Paul Jensen, Mayor Beauregard, and Vietnam vet and veterans advocate Ed “Hoppy” Curran.
Mary – wearing a red, white and blue Hawaiian lei around her neck – thanked those who came to celebrate her and was very happy to see everyone, especially her family. Her daughter Carol Eldridge, who resides in New York, was excited for her mother, who remains social and loves to attend Nevins’ exercise classes.
Joanne Vietor, who takes Mary to all her appointments, was pleased at the outpouring of love for her longtime friend.
Veterans Services Officer Paul Jensen gave a brief history of Mary’s amazing life in the Navy and presented her with a citation from Gov. Maura Healy. Mayor DJ Beauregard presented Mary with a citation from the city. She also received a citation from Congresswoman Lori Trahan and the House of Representatives.
Mary Simpson soaks up the birthday party activity with daughter Carol Eldridge by her side.
Susan Riccio, interim director of the Methuen Senior Activity Center, presented the birthday girl with a beautiful bouquet of roses on behalf of the Council on Aging and the center.
