Name: Judy Cuzner
Age: 82
Place of birth: Peabody, because my mother’s doctor was there. I’ve always lived in Marblehead. My father’s family dates back to the 1600s.
Fondest childhood memory: Running free through Steer Swamp without a care in the world. We called it Dan Barry’s field. That was my playground.
What jobs have you worked and what was your favorite? I started out at John Hancock in Boston where I worked with computers. They were big as a house, you wouldn’t recognize them today. I moved to Falcon Electric in Danvers, where I was secretary to a bunch of engineers. Then I worked at the Boston Herald Traveler in the bookkeeping department. And then at George Peabody Gardener’s office. I worked at the Eastern Yacht Club for 35 years — at the front desk, in the dining room. I did about everything there. Every job was good in its own way.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in your lifetime? Technology. I went from computers as big as a city block to something you can fit in your pocket.
Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met? Dennis Conner. He was a big sailor. I met a lot of people working at the yacht club. I met one of the Rockefellers. And I met a lot of world-class sailors.
What’s your biggest accomplishment? I guess making it to 82 in relatively good health.
What’s your advice to the younger generation? There’s an anonymous quote that I love. It says, “Be decisive. Right or wrong, make a decision. The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision.”
Cuzner visits the Council on Aging about four days a week and plays bocce, curling and chair volleyball. “That’s a hoot,” she said. “It’s so fun.” Cuzner is on the Friends of the COA Board and its speakers’ series committee. She also plays golf.
Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist who has written hundreds of stories for local newspapers, including the Marblehead Reporter. She also works as a PR specialist.