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.
