Scalabrini Villa Honors Its Centenarians

honored five residents, all with something incredibly unique in common – all five are more than 100 years old.

Scalabrini Villa, an assisted living facility in North Kingstown, hosted celebrations for the five lucky ladies and their families along with Town Council President Liz Dolan and State Rep. Larry Ehrhardt.

Virginia DiBiase, the young whippersnapper of the group at 100 years young, hails from Italy but grew up in Providence. Virginia worked as a seamstress on ladies leather handbags in a small family-run factory. An avid dancer and golfer, Virginia remained active throughout the years, swimming at her local YMCA well into her 90s and even nabbing some medals for swimming and diving.

The second youngest of the centenarians, Catherine Boudreau, may only be 101 years old, but has been at Scalabrini longer than her other counterparts. A 12-year resident of the facility, Catherine grew up in Providence and worked in a jewelry shop doing "a little bit of everything." She loves to sew and made clothes and gowns throughout the years.

For 103-year-old Ruth McCaffrey, longevity runs in the family. Ruth's younger sister Claire, 102 years young, came out for the honorary luncheon Thursday as well. Ruth, who grew up in the Edgewood section of Cranston, worked for decade as a secretary. According to her sister, Ruth was a tireless and efficient working, so much so that when Ruth finally retired Citizen's Bank had to hire two people to replace her.

Also from Cranston, Rose Pastille is Scalabrini's second oldest centenarian at 105 years old. Rose was one of seven siblings and worked as a saleswoman in a dress shop before working at a pharmacy in Cranston with her husband. Ever the social butterfly, Rose made sure to make time for her girlfriends for their weekly outings and antiquing. 

At 108 years old Katherine Coughlin holds the title of oldest resident at Scalabrini. Originally from Providence, Katherine moved to Cranston after getting married and worked at Jewelry Co. for 39 years. During World War I, she knitted wristlets and gloves for soldiers.