Oldest Mass veteran passes away at 104

ATTLEBORO, Mass (WPRI) - The oldest veteran in Massachusetts and possibly the entire country was laid to rest in Attleboro, remembered for her sharp wit, feisty attitude and strong patriotism.

Irene Davey enlisted in 1943 at the age of 34 right after her husband Harold did the same.

"And the only thing that I said to him was honey, if you go in. I'm going in," Davey told Eyewitness News at her 102nd birthday celebration.

• Related: Davey Honored on her 102nd birthday

She died Sunday at the age of 104 after a stroke earlier in the month. Harold had passed away 45 years earlier. She passed away in a Woonsocket nursing home but spent less than 2 days there, living on her own until this month. She was driving up until the age of 99.

"She will be missed," her daughter Patricia Desmarais said. "She's been around so long, you just thinks she's always going to be there."

Earlier this year, Davey was honored with the title of Sergeant Major for her service in World War II as a truck driver but also for years of patriotism at countless events in Massachusetts. This year's Attleboro Veterans Day parade was the first one she missed.

Davey is survived by Desmarais and 2 sons, Martin Davey and Fred Talbot as well as several grandchildren and countless friends.

"It's amazing how many people she touched," Desmarais said.

Editor's Note: Stay tuned to Street Stories on Friday, November 23 at 6 p.m. for a follow-up to Irene's passing.