Hazlet Local Celebrates 107th Birthday With Parade, Book Drive

HAZLET, NJ - 107-year-old Catherine “Kitty” Kenney celebrated a birthday like no other in 2021. As a longtime Hazlet resident who has lived through the Spanish flu and the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenney has been treated to some memorable birthdays. To make this one unforgettable, locals and government officials planned to surprise the book lover with donations of gift cards, books and a drive-through parade.

At around 1:45 p.m. on Jan. 4, nearly 30 cars lined Leocadia Court to follow a police escort to Kenney’s residence at Arnold Walter Nursing Home. Kenney welcomed passersby in a tiara and golden sash (with a face mask, of course). County Commissioner Sue Kiley also presented a proclamation declaring Jan. 4, 2021 as Catherine “Kitty” Kenney Day.

Hazlet resident Kim Struszkiewicz, who has known Kenney’s roommate Dolly O’Donnell for over 50 years, came up with the elaborate birthday idea to commemorate the milestone.

“I came up with the birthday card drive, and books, because she is always reading. My friends and my husband, and myself, have been bringing her books and magazines, throughout the pandemic, Struszkiewicz said. “She received about 118 birthday cards and about 200 birthday wishes on Facebook, which I printed out for her. She has gotten about 2 dozen books so far.”

Struszkiewicz recalls the procession of cars outside Arnold Walter Nursing Home on Monday, with some carrying lawn signs (donated by Yard Cards by Grace) and presentations of flowers and gifts.

Struszkiewicz describes Kenney as “sweet, always smiling, sharp as a tack, and up on current events.”

Kenney was born in New York City on Jan. 4, 1914. She moved to Hazlet in 1958. Kitty was accepted into the University of Notre Dame and worked for many years at Raritan Pharmacy. She raised four children with her husband, all of whom have passed. She has three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, according to TAPInto Holmdel.

“Today, our officers had the privilege to lead a birthday parade for a very special person. Long time Hazlet resident Kitty Kenny turned 107 years old today! She lived on Bucknell Drive and worked at the Raritan Pharmacy by Romeos for many years,” the Hazlet Township Police Department wrote Monday.

“We hope Kitty had a wonderful birthday and wish her many more!”