By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Southborough – Alice Kavanaugh celebrated her 95th birthday Jan. 20 with her family, friends and co-workers at the Southborough Senior Center. In addition to volunteering for many years with the Meals on Wheels program, she’s been working as an administrative assistant at the Senior Center for 12 years.
She’s considered to be “the perfect employee” by Pam LeFrancois, director.
“Alice was in her 80s when she started working here, and she learned to use a computer and our new data system,” LeFrancois noted. “She’s always interested in learning something new and making the Senior Center better. We all want to be Alice when we grow up.”
The administrative assistant job is shared with Mary Moruzzi, who is inspired by her co-worker.
“I’d be happy if I could be half as good as Alice,” she acknowledged.
Betty Peak, the guest of honor’s daughter, expressed gratitude for inheriting good genes.
“I guess I’ll work until I’m 95, too,” she said. “My boss says to me, ‘You’re going to be here forever, just like your mother.’”
Also in attendance were Kavanaugh’s daughter Susan and son Lee. Her son Jack wasn’t able to travel from his home in Nova Scotia.
Facilities Manager John Parent frequently interacts with Kavanaugh because his office is in the same building.
“Every day with Alice is interesting and amazing,” he said. “Every time you’re around her, she has a story and makes you laugh. She’s like everybody’s grandmother.”
Selectmen Chair Bill Boland is a longtime Kavanaugh family friend.
“I can’t remember not knowing Alice,” he noted. “She has always had a super-positive attitude on life. She’s a great role model for people to know that you don’t retire just because you’re supposed to retire. You keep doing what keeps you happy. It’s great that Alice chooses to still work. Obviously, all her choices have worked out well because she’s now 95.”
A roomful of guests enjoyed a catered luncheon of quiche, salads, sandwiches, and a festively-decorated cake proclaiming “Happy 95th birthday, Alice!”
