SWAMPSCOTT — Renee Valeri recently celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends, and community at The Bertram House in Swampscott, where she has been a resident since June 2024. Born in 1926, Renee’s milestone was marked with joy, gratitude, and heartfelt celebration.
A lifelong Lynn resident, Renee attended Lynn Classical High School and later worked for 30 years at General Electric in payroll. She often shares how much she learned during her time at GE, including how to invest in stocks. GE also held personal meaning, as her husband, Chris, worked there as well. Renee often spoke fondly of her marriage, which was arranged by her parents, as both families came from Italy, a tradition that led to a lifelong partnership built on love and shared values.
Now 100 years old, Renee remains active and engaged. She makes a point to move every day, doing arm and leg exercises, pedaling a small exercise bike under her table, and even dancing in her apartment. She is mindful of her diet, limiting fats and sweets, though she happily admits her love for carrot cake.
Renee’s memory remains remarkable. During a recent interview in her apartment at The Bertram House in Swampscott, her phone rang repeatedly with calls from loved ones. She recalls details throughout her life that most would forget.
Music has always been important to Renee. She loved playing the piano and was actively involved at the Jewish Community Center, serving on committees for pool, entertainment, and music. She also helped bring music to individuals who were blind.
Renee has faced great loss in her life, including the passing of her daughter at a young age, her husband, and her parents. Through these hardships, she carried on with strength and faith. Her advice for life is simple: To take one step at a time and always have faith.
At The Bertram House, Renee is dearly loved by staff and residents. Her birthday was celebrated with two special gatherings. The first was a celebration at The Bertram House, coordinated by Athena and the team, where staff and residents came together to celebrate her by serving her favorite meal, showering her with birthday gifts, and wearing pink in her honor. As part of the celebration, Renee’s cousin from the Swampscott Police Department arranged a mini parade outside the community. Police cars and fire trucks drove by with horns beeping as residents waved and cheered. Adding to the joy, students from a local school individually decorated over 100 birthday cards for Renee, a gesture that deeply touched her heart.
Renee’s second celebration was held the following day at Mission on the Bay, where her closest friends and family gathered to celebrate her century of life.
Renee loves being around people, telling stories, and sharing smiles. At 100 years old, she remains a beautiful example of resilience, faith, connection, and living life with joy.
