Local resident of Oneida turns 103
Oneida, NY – On August 9, the Oneida Health Rehabilitation and Extended Care celebrated the 103rd birthday of Mary Rose Durfee, a resident in their long-term care. Mary Rose is lifetime resident of CNY and for many years, of Oneida, where she raised her children and worked for most of her career.
Born in 1916, Ms. Durfee is the daughter of Lithuanian immigrants and the middle child of 9 brothers and sisters. She was raised on a Hops Farm in Waterville, NY where she grew an appreciation for New York’s rich agriculture. During the 1950s and 60s she operated a small diner working 14 hour days, The Mary Rose Restaurant, in the City of Oneida and was always an active member of the community. She was also served as the head chef at Dibble’s Inn for many years.
In December of 2010, The Gorman Foundation opened the Mary Rose Clinic with Ms. Durfee as the inspiration. The Mary Rose clinic provides free medical health for the uninsured and the underinsured in the City of Oneida located in the Gorman Community Center at 1081 Northside Shopping Center. Ms. Durfee’s youngest sister, Alice M. Gorman, established the Gorman Foundation through her estate after her passing in 2002.
In 2003, Ms. Durfee was crowned the very first Hops Queen at the annual Hops Fest Celebration by the Madison County Historical Society for her advocacy to Central New York’s hops industry and for her support of its history within New York’s agricultural landscape. She is also a published author in books, newspapers, and periodicals, a talent which was undiscovered until she was 80 years old, with her most recent work published after her 100th birthday. Her book, titled Scattered Hayseeds, is available on Amazon. To those who know her, Ms. Durfee’s perpetual zest for life is still apparent, today.
As part of her 103rd celebration, The Gorman Foundation will be giving a $103,000 grant to the Oneida Health Rehabilitation and Extended Care in honor of Ms. Durfee for the compassion and care the staff has provided her during her time as a resident, supporting her in hitting this significant milestone of 103 years young. The grant will be used to renovate the entryway and family area where many residents and families gather on a daily basis.
About the Mary Rose Clinic:
The Mary Rose Clinic exists to provide primary healthcare services to low-income, uninsured and underinsured adults within Madison County and the surrounding areas. Their mission is to provide quality healthcare regardless of socioeconomic status. The clinic is open every Wednesday from 4:00pm – 7:00pm and Thursday 10:00am – 2:00pm with no appointment needed. For more information visit https://www.maryrosecenter.org/index.php