2023 Chatham-Kent Senior of the Year Mary Williston with Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff.

A Chatham woman is being recognized for her contributions to the community over the years.

Mary Williston has been named the 2023 Chatham-Kent Senior of the Year.

Williston has served as a volunteer for most of her life, including 50+ years in the Chatham LaSertoma Service Club, the Wish Centre, Chatham Goodfellows, the May 16th Miracle, and The Gift. She has also served as a board member with the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation and a member of the Breast Buddies dragon boat racing team.

16 adults 60 and older were honoured on Thursday as part of the Chatham-Kent Celebration of Older Adults virtual broadcast, recognizing those who have achieved significant goals and making outstanding contributions as volunteers within Chatham-Kent..

“The many seniors who volunteer in Chatham-Kent, and in particular those we are honouring, view their status as a senior as an asset,” said co-chair and Ward 6 councillor Marjorie Crew. “They know the value of experience and they know they have a lot to give. They look at what they do as an ongoing gift to their fellow citizens. Their attitude is amazing and it’s a real joy to watch what they can accomplish.”

Last year’s 2022 Chatham-Kent’s Senior of the Year Josephine Richardson of Chatham has also been recognized by the province as Ontario Senior of the Year 2023 for Chatham-Kent.