The amazing saga of Genevieve Marszalek continued last week as this amazing Bristol native and current Warren resident celebrated her 111th birthday.

As has been the case in recent years, a wonderfully-planned birthday party in her honor was held at Bristol House of Pizza, her favorite weekly place to visit. Included were a number of family members, as well as those from the Bristol Town Council and Bristol Police Dept. Even Bristol Town Administrator stopped by to congratulate her, as well as members of the media.

“We love having Genevieve here on her special day,” said Bristol House of Pizza co-owner Tula Gatos. “She’s just an amazing lady.”

The former Genevieve Pagnano was born on Wood St. in Bristol on Feb, 27, 1914. She is an American super-centenarian, whose age has been validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG). She is currently the oldest living person in the state of Rhode Island and was born just 5 months before the start of World War I, to put everything in perspective.

She is the daughter of the late Pasquale “Patsy” Pagnano and Frances Pagnano of Bristol and was the second of five girls. Her sister, Sylvia Hall (1917-2020) lived to be 102 and her sister, Patricia Fojo, is in her 90s and currently living in Florida.

Genevieve Marszalek has enjoyed a fascinating life. She married Joseph Marszalek, who worked with the FBI, on Feb. 15, 1943, and had a son, Bobby, who was born in 1945 and killed during duty in Germany in 1968. She and her husband traveled throughout the United States while he worked on the job. She was also a school teacher at Guiteras School and loved being around children.

For a number of years Genevieve lived alone at North Farm in Bristol and climbed 21 stairs each day to the second floor of her home. Not to mention, she was still driving a car and enjoying her independence up until several years ago.

Now residing at The Willows Assisted Living Facility in Warren, Genevieve thoroughly enjoys her surroundings.
Says Grace Barker Health co-owner Mary Beth Lescault,

“I first met Genevieve when she arrived at The Willows. I was struck by her love of life, positive attitude, and graciousness. Over the years, these qualities have only become even more prominent. As a Eucharistic minister for St Mary of The Bay Parish, I had the opportunity to visit with her on several Sundays throughout the year. She always greeted me with ‘Oh that’s right, today is Sunday’, and then quietly prepared to receive the Eucharist.”

Ms. Lescault continued, “She was always so grateful for my visit and thanked me enthusiastically. Genevieve is truly a gift to us. She reminds me that a life filled with gratitude and kindness is truly a life well lived…..all 111 years! God Bless you, Genevieve.”

“Genevieve is just a warm, loving person,” said Bristol Town Councilman and former Town Administrator Tony Teixeira, whose wife, Jackie, and daughter, Candace, have both taken good care of her starting in 2011.”Her memory has been astounding for her age.”

At her most recent birthday party, Genevieve was serenaded by young Charlie Dwyer, who played the ukulele to the tune of “Happy Birthday,” while others looked on in amazement as she blew out her birthday candles and flashed that trademark smile of hers.

As her current private aide, Candace Teixeira said it best: “Genevieve is always happy. She’s shared so many stories. It’s been amazing. She’s just a wonderful person.”