Massachusetts’ oldest female World War II veteran died Sunday from pneumonia.
According to CBS Boston , Irene Davey of Attleboro, Massachusetts, passed away on Sunday at the age of 104.
The Sun Chronicle notes that Davey, who joined the service in 1943 and served in the Women’s Army Auxillary Corps till 1945, died just a couple of months shy of her 105th birthday.
Known for her wit, strong opinions, and patriotism, Davey received an honorary promotion to sergeant major earlier this year during a ceremony outside her South Attleboro home.
During the ceremony, which was organized by state Rep. George Ross, Davey was recognized for her service by the National Guard as well as local, state, national and veterans officials.
In addition to the honorary promotion, she received a key to the city from Mayor Kevin Dumas.
“In all my lifetime, the only thing I wanted to do was make my family proud of me,” Davey is quoted as saying at the time by the Attleboro-Seekonk Patch . “Today … I think I’ve made it.”
When asked in 2011 the secret to her longevity, Davey (103-years-old at the time) admitted the length of a person’s life depends on God.
“It’s just by the grace of God that I’m here,” she told The Sun Chronicle at her 103rd birthday party. “I thank the Lord my God that I have the mentality I have – or think I have.”
Irene Davey leaves behind a daughter, Patricia; two sons, Martin Davey and Fred Talbot; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 21, at 11 am, at the Duffy-Poule funeral home in Attleboro.
