Gertrude Hughes is Wellesley’s oldest resident

Congratulations to Wellesley’s oldest living resident, Gertrude Hughes, who celebrated her 106^th birthday on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

Wellesley's oldest resident, Gertrude Hughes — Gertie celebrated her birthday with her twin daughters Joan Orr and Jean Feuer (pictured), and other family members. Photo by Town of Wellesley.

As such, Gertie is now the official holder of the Boston Post Cane, a tradition started in 1909 by Edwin Grozier, editor and publisher of the Boston Post newspaper, to recognize the oldest resident of each municipality in Massachusetts. The Wellesley Select Board presented her with the Cane during a brief ceremony.

Gertie was born in 1919 in Flint, Michigan and was one of nine children. Longevity runs in her family—Gertie’s mother lived to age 100 and her baby sister, Nathleen, who lives in Arizona, remains active and engaged at age 103.

Happy Birthday to Gertrude Hughes, Wellesley’s spunky and sparkling centenarian!