FACE TO FACE: Jeane Retelle, recreation director at the Kent Regency Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center wasn’t going to let Mother’s Day slip by without celebrating the 100th birthday of one of their talented and, as we at the paper discovered, spirit residents. Catherine Prest grew up on a farm that is now the Wethersfield Commons condominium complex in Warwick. As we learned from a Face Time interview arranged by Jeane, Catherine lived on Gerard Avenue off Post Road and across from the Great House restaurant. She worked there as a cook as well as a number of other area restaurants including Rob Roy, the O Club, Valley Steak House, Mister John’s Gift Shop and Luke’s Chinese Restaurant. In addition to her culinary skills, Catherine is an artist, as witnessed here as she is pictured with her winning pumpkin in the Kent Regency decorating contest. The mother of three boys and three girls, Catherine was married to Charles Prest for 70 year before he passed at the age of 98. They were the parents of Charles Jr., who is deceased and Pamela Killoran, Luraellen Wiggins, Joyce Prowell, Donald and Stephen Prest. Catherine has 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and four great, great grandchildren. According to Jeane, Catherine enjoyed square dancing with the Friendly Mixers and was keen on decorating his house for the holidays. Her daughter Pamela said she a great cook and always made everything from scratch. The family traveled to Maine and Vermont for special events with family and friends. At the center, Catherine enjoys music and entertainment, painting sessions and having her nails painted – they were green the day of the Face Time interview. And for her birthday, Jeane and Catherine’s extended family arranged for a drive-by parade celebration that included a giant cake on a truck. Catherine was at ease with her Face Time interviewer. She offered no secret to her longevity, but obviously was paying close attention. When she spotted a ring on his hand, she declared, “oh, you’re married, that’s too bad.”
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here