GLOCESTER – Katherine Adams began her 101st trip around the sun with a visit from local police and EMS, but it wasn’t an emergency – and the group also wasn’t there for the party.
Adams was testing the batteries on her Life Alert – and as it turns out, it worked just fine.
A resident at Laurel Crest Apartments, Adams had a special celebration on Monday, Nov. 22 that included receipt of an honorary cane and citation from Glocester Town Hall. The presentation and acknowledgement normally take place when a town resident turns 100, but restrictions last year caused by COVID-19 limited Adam’s celebration.
The quiet 100th birthday was just a memory last month as friends and admirers, Ralph and Ruth Cole, Clair Clisdell and Beth Reynolds-Jenkins, general manager for the Glocester Housing Authority, sang, “Happy Birthday,” Monday morning, and placed a tiara on her head. Adams also wore a, “Birthday Queen” sash as she rode a golf cart – a frequent mode of transportation for the guest of honor – in perfect weather to her party at GHA headquarters.
“Her friends and family filled the day room with laughter, stories, and food contributions were so appreciated,” said Reynolds-Jenkins, who helped to organize the celebration.
Adams grew up in Providence and raised her children, sons Stephen and Philip, in Glocester. She was married to Byron Adams for 20 years, and held several office jobs. She had three grandchildren, and moved to Laurel Crest in 1992.
With 29 years at the facility, she is now among its longest-staying residents, and the alert and independent woman is also a favorite among staff, according to Reynolds-Jenkins.
And last month, her centenary birthday – plus one – was marked with balloons, flowers, cake, cupcakes, pizza, pastries, coffee, donuts, and some 60 guests.
“As her closest friends arrived, there were tears and hugs galore,” said Reynolds-Jenkins.
Adams even asked to say a few words after blowing out her candles, and thanked her guests for coming.
“A perfect speech was given,” said Reynolds-Jenkins. “It was spectacular.”
Reynolds-Jenkins said the birthday girl, affectionately known as Kay, was excited and grateful for the celebration, and she thanked all who helped to make it special, including Beverly Parker, Brenda Reynolds Frazier, Debbie Mitchell Steve Mitchell, the Coles, and Linda Richie. Adams, “had no idea,” the celebration and acknowledgement were planned, the organizer noted, and received many gifts and cards
“Kay is still talking about the party and sent hand written notes to everyone,” Reynolds-Jenkins said.
And the local police who started the day with the feisty 101-year-old? The first responders also enjoyed a part of the abundant celebration when remaining snacks and coffee were brought to the Glocester Police Department.
Editor’s note: An original version of this article said that Adams raised her family in Burrillville. We apologize for the error.
