Rumford Resident Celebrates Her 95th Birthday

Rumford resident Mary McManus has had many birthdays over the course of her lifetime. And Pat Henry has been there to lead the celebration. 

Henry recently took down the banner she had mounted on the front of the Rumford Mill House on North Broadway, where the ladies live together. Every five years since McManus turned 70, Henry has thrown a birthday party for McManus, who was born on May 23, 1916. 

The women go back a long time. 

McManus grew up in the Rumford Mill House and graduated from East Providence High School. After graduation in 1935, McManus, who favored hats and heels, went to work for Rumford Chemical Works, where she worked in quality assurance, making biscuits.

She received accolades from the company for pointing out some "off-color" baking powder. After McManus left the factory, she went on to work for a Better Bake Shop on Smith Street, until she retired.

Henry grew up across the street from McManus, then moved into the other side of the Mill House with her mother. McManus never married, and Henry has been taking care of her since her own mother died 25 years ago. 

"She's always been in my life," Henry said.

It was around about that time that Henry starting throwing birthday parties for McManus — every time she reached a five-year milestone. The events are themed and her ninetieth was celebrated with clowns.

This year's birthday festivities were a little quieter by comparison. But as always, McManus enjoyed the festivities, flowers and cards.