Elizabeth Seton Resident Walter Woods Receives Boston Post Cane

On Monday, December 30, Walter Woods, a short term rehabilitation resident at Elizabeth Seton Residence Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, was presented with the Boston Post Cane, which recognizes him as the oldest living resident of Wellesley at 106 years old. The ceremony took place at the Elizabeth Seton Residence in Wellesley. Walter was surrounded by his family, Elizabeth Seton Residence staff, and members of the Town of Wellesley staff and Select Board. The town’s executive director, Meghan Jop, read a resolution after which Select Board Chair Colette Aufranc presented the cane.

“We are so pleased that Walter Woods was presented with the Boston Post Cane in recognition of his status as the oldest resident in the town of Wellesley,” said Lori Ferrante, Executive Director and CEO of Elizabeth Seton Residence. “Walter is an extraordinary individual and an inspiration to us all. He is a shining example of a life well-lived. His commitment, loyalty and passion for the town of Wellesley is exemplary.”

Born in 1915, Walter is a long-time, beloved resident of Wellesley. An engineering graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, class of ‘42, Mr. Woods worked as a structural engineer at NASA, designed jet fighters for Republic Aircraft, and served as Chief Mechanical and Engineering Officer for the MBTA. Furthermore, he was elected to the Wellesley Board of Public Works and served over 15 years, including four as Chairman.

Walter Woods spent many years as a member of the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority's (MWRA) advisory board -- including two years as chairman -- and was an elected Town Meeting member until he stepped down at the age of 99. In 2012 the MWRA honored Walter for his dedication to the organization with a bench named in his honor. The bench is located along the DCR pathways on Recreation Road in Weston. He was also the first chairman of the town's Veterans’ Parade and one of the parade's honorees in 2018. Walter’s hobbies include making delicious wine that won numerous awards and gold medals in tasting competitions. He is an avid gardener, frequently dispensing excellent gardening tips to friends and neighbors. In accepting the cane, Mr. Woods emotionally thanked all present and expressed appreciation for the recognition of all he had done in town service.

The Boston Post Cane dates back to 1909, when then Publisher of the Boston Post newspaper, Edwin A. Grozier, distributed a gold-headed cane to be presented to the oldest male citizen in 700 towns in New England. In 1930, women were added to the eligibility to receive the cane. The canes were made of ebony shipped from Africa, turned on lathes, and adorned with a 14-carot gold head with an engraved inscription. The canes were meant to be passed down to the oldest living resident in each town. Currently, only a few towns in Massachusetts have continued this tradition, Wellesley being one of them.

About the Elizabeth Seton Residence

The Elizabeth Seton Residence is a Catholic, not-for-profit skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility offering short-term rehabilitation and long-term care in Wellesley, MA. As a Ministry of the Sisters of Charity (Halifax) they are deeply committed to delivering quality person-centered care in a welcoming environment that meets the physical, spiritual, psychological and cultural needs of their residents and families. The Elizabeth Seton Residence is proud of their 5-Star quality status, high satisfaction ratings and quality measures that consistently meet or exceed state and national standards. For more information about Elizabeth Seton Residence, please contact Judy Coogan at 781-997-1351 or jcoogan@schalifax.org.