Birthday girl Claire Carter, joined by her daughter Meg Aurelio, laughs and waves to the cars driving by her house on 3/10/24 to celebrate Claire’s 100th birthday on 3/15/24. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
They mostly call her “Nana,” the grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even a few others.
Claire Carter of Fairhaven is just a day shy of 100 years old as we publish, and her loved ones made a properly big to-do about it on Sunday, 3/10/24. With a police escort, about 50 cars left Fort Phoenix to drive by the house on Green Street that Ms. Carter has lived in since 1953. They blew horns, hung out the windows, and held signs.
Claire was surprised by the celebration, although she must have sensed something was up when her daughter, Meg Aurelio, got her sitting in the doorway.
Claire waved and laughed and called out to people as they drove by. Some got out and gave her a hug. Someone even had bubbles blowing out the window.
Claire’s daughter, Ann daRosa, said they wanted to do something that included a lot of people, but that would not be too tiring.
“I think she’ll enjoy this,” she said.
The parking lot at Fort Phoenix included nieces, nephews, grandchildren, in-laws, friends, with many cars decorated.
Her brother, David Duvall, said Claire is 16 years older than he is, and she is his Godmother.
“She’s wonderful, wonderful,” said Mr. Duvall, adding the new pastor went by the house to give her a birthday blessing.
Friends Sara Lamarre, Tove Perry, and Martha Aiello said they were good friends with Claire and the family, and wanted to be part of the celebration.
Great grandchildren Tessie and Ella held signs wishing their “Nana” a happy birthday. Their friend Evelynn joined them in the fun. They said they enjoy visiting Nana, and especially appreciate her candy.
At the house, a very animated Nana waved and pointed to the cars, laughing and calling out as she sat in the front doorway.
“I feel like I’m 90,” she said. “I’m lucky.”
She said it was definitely a surprise.
“I like it. I got a lot of surprises lately,” she said, and a lot of attention.
But would she give up her secret to living a long and happy life?
“Hang in there,” she said. “You take what comes.”
Any advice to the young’uns out there?
“No advice,” she said. “Just go with the flow.”
A that point, someone handed her some flowers.
“Oh boy,” she said with a big smile. “I love flowers.”
Ms. Carter was also recognized at the Select Board meeting on 3/11/24 with a certificate that her daughter accepted.
“In celebration of your 100th Birthday on March 15, 2024 The Town recognizes and honors your wisdom and experiences as you lived, worked and raised your family in Fairhaven,” reads the certificate. “May your day be filled with joy and surrounded by loved ones as you reflect on a century of memories.”
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- Grandson Max holds a birthday sign out the window of the car during a drive-by celebration on 3/10/24, for Claire Carter’s 100th birthday on 3/15. Photo by Beth David.
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- People throw kisses and wave to Claire Carter during a drive-by celebration on 3/10/24, for her 100th birthday on 3/15. Photo by Beth David.
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- L-R: Great Granddaughters Tessie and Ella, and their friend, Evelynn, hold up the signs they made to hold in the window of the car during the drive-by celebration on 3/10/24 for Claire Carter who is turning 100 years old on 3/15/24. Photo by Beth David.
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- Birthday girl Claire Carter is joined by her daughters (L-R) Meg Aurelio and Ann daRosa after about 50 cars joined a drive-by celebration on 3/10/24, for Claire’s 100th birthday on 3/15. Photo by Beth David.
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