Mary McGrath, 97, was presented with the Golden Cane award at Enclave of Scarborough for being its oldest resident. Courtesy photo

At 97 years young, Mary McGrath is the oldest Enclave of Scarborough resident. As such, on Jan. 28, associates at the Enclave of Scarborough honored Mary with their third annual Golden Cane Ceremony, according to a press release from the facility.

The cane is given to the oldest resident of the community each year.

Due to the restriction in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic there was no fancy gathering as in years past. Members of Scarborough Town Hall were not in attendance nor was there top of the line music entertainment.

However, Mary said wearing a smile from ear to ear, “It was the perfect way to celebrate my 97 years achievement!”

McGrath’s out-of-state attended virtually by Zoom, while her local family watched through the discovery windows inside Enclave’s outdoor space called ‘the Lodge.’ Two of Mary’s best friends and co-residents; Connie Martin and Lois Morrill, were invited as a way to commemorate her great accomplishment.

Mary says the secret to living a long life is to “just pretend you never get old.”