Attleboro's Oldest Veteran Dies at 104
Sgt. Maj. Irene Davey joined the U.S. Army in 1943.
ATTLEBORO, MA -- The oldest veteran in Massachusetts died Sunday morning at age 104, The Sun Chronicle reported. Irene Davey, who served in the U.S. Army at Fort Devens during World War II, received an honorary promotion to sergeant major earlier this year during a ceremony outside her South Attleboro home.
Davey joined the U.S. Army in March 1943 on the same day as her husband Harold. She served until 1945 in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, assigned to motor transport. Davey trained other women in driving rugged trucks and taking care of vehicle maintenance. She also made deliveries and took injured soldiers home in ambulances. In addition, Davey traveled to various places as a recruiter.
"I was proud," Davey told Attleboro Patch in 2010. "I could not help but be proud of what I had done."
She attributed her longevity to staying active as well as having common sense and a good sense of humor.
"I just gave up my driver's license a few years ago when I was 99 [because] I didn't want to be paying the insurance anymore," she joked to Patch.
Davey kept active by cleaning, cooking and going out in the yard.
"The day you sit down ... well, that's when you end up doing nothing," she said.
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During the ceremony outside her home in May that was organized by state Rep. George Ross, Davey was recognized for her service by the National Guard as well as local, state, national and veterans officials. In addition to the honorary promotion, she received a key to the city from Mayor Kevin Dumas.
"In all my lifetime, the only thing I wanted to do was make my family proud of me," Davey said. "Today ... I think I've made it."
Julie roche
11:04 am on Monday, November 19, 2012
RIP Mrs. Davey and thank you always for your service.
Briana Auclair
11:46 am on Monday, November 19, 2012
It's women like Sgt. Major Davey who opened the doors for entire generations of women to join the Army (myself included) and be more than "a cute sideline nurse." Rest easy Irene, we salute you for all you did and all that your bravery continues to do. Hooah.
Roxanne Houghton
7:31 pm on Monday, November 19, 2012
Irene Davey was an amazing woman! Although she was 104, I never once thought of her as old. She was sharp, stylish, involved and quite "the pistol". She was beautiful every day of her mature life.
I wish to extend my sympathy to Irene's family and to State Representative George Ross. He and Irene were very close. Im sure that this is very hard for him.
Love you Irene.
Kim Allard
10:55 pm on Monday, November 19, 2012
Rest in the sweetest peace Sgt Major knowing you made your family proud(her one wish). You will be sorely missed. Irene touched so many lives and I'm blessed I was one of the lucky ones..... I was blessed to call this amazing woman my friend. I will never forget all the things she taught me and all the laughs we shared. Love you Grama Irene you will always be carried in my heart.
olga
5:20 pm on Saturday, November 24, 2012
rest in peace; thanks for serving our country
Patricia Peirce--Florida
8:26 pm on Saturday, November 24, 2012
Thank You Irene for your service, Bless all your family members for there loss.
Neal R. Anderson
9:11 pm on Saturday, November 24, 2012
You will be deeply missed Mrs. Davey. It was a joy and pleasure to be your mailman and to see you everyday. God bless. Neal
natasha markovich
9:25 pm on Saturday, November 24, 2012
Ahhhhhh, it is sooooooooo sad to see this generation departing...they were an honorable group....rest in peace Irene......thank you for your service and commitment!
Cindy Halpern
9:33 pm on Saturday, November 24, 2012
Irene Davey made an important contribution to the war effort and as a role model for her generation of women as well as future generations.
She was a heroine.
Pat Jay
8:58 am on Sunday, November 25, 2012
I salute SGM Davey for her long life, her service to her country, and her fellow man. While her longevity is stellar, and totally noteworthy, I submit that there are two, and probably more, WAC Veterans who are older: former 6888th member Alyce Dixon and retired LTC Luta McGrath. Google either and check out their stories.
Rest in peace SGM Davey! PJ (former WAC)
TintinPatino
10:47 am on Sunday, November 25, 2012
rest in Peace Irene and God bless you and your family
Paul Walker
11:50 am on Sunday, November 25, 2012
My father and 5 uncles served in WWII, God bless ALL those heros.. paul