Triple Digits, Double the Fun: Swampscott Resident Celebrates 100 in Style

The Residence at Vinnin Square in Swampscott recently celebrated a major milestone as resident Dr. Barbara Louise Carter turned 100, and, according to Resident Engagement Director Logan Ferraro, she’s still the life of the party.

Carter celebrated her 100th birthday on December 29. with a community gathering complete with cake, appetizers, drinks, and birthday hats. Wearing a sash and smiling broadly, Carter enjoyed the celebration surrounded by friends, family, and fellow residents.

“It’s not every day you see someone reach triple digits, and Dr. Barbara makes it look good,” Ferraro said. “We’re incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful resident call Vinnin Square home.”

Dr. Barbara Carter with her cake || Courtesy Photo

Carter was raised in Ipswich with her two brothers, Charles and Frank. She earned her undergraduate degree from Bates College before attending medical school at Syracuse University, where she specialized in radiology.

While in medical school, she met her husband, Dr. Jeffery Moore. The couple married on August 27, 1960, and later settled in Marblehead, where they shared a love of sailing and world travel. They were married for nearly 50 years before Moore’s death in 2010.

Though they did not have children, Carter and her husband were close with their nieces and nephews and built a strong community of friends. Ferraro said many of them attended Carter’s 100th birthday celebration.

There were so many guests at the 100th birthday celebration || Courtesy Photo

Carter went on to have a 45-year career at Tufts Medical Center, specializing in diagnostic imaging of the brain and neck. She worked with one of the first two image intensifiers in the U.S., later used the first functioning CT body scanner in Massachusetts, and worked with one of the early MRI units.

Several of Carter’s former patients also attended the celebration, prompting organizers to order two cakes to accommodate the crowd.

“So many people just wanted to celebrate,” Ferraro said. “We got all the associates to sign cards too.”

Ferraro said Carter’s apartment at the Residence at Vinnin Square is filled with framed photos of both her family and the community she has built. She has a regular aide, Josie, whom she adores. Josie attended the party with her family and brought a pineapple tres leches cake.

Carter is known around the residence for her “pretty tiaras and headbands,” Ferraro said, and for her active participation in community events. She regularly joins Ferraro’s cardio drumming group, attends cocktail hour for her pinot grigio, and plays bingo several times a week.

Dr. Barbara Carter bangs on a ball in the drum class || Courtesy Photo

“She loves being here in the community,” Ferraro said, adding that he’s gotten to know Carter so well over the almost four years that he will bring her newly found favorite drink, mango lassies, from the Indian grocery store every couple of weeks.

Carter is also regularly found hanging out with other women in the residence’s restaurant, and when the community has crossword and jeopardy-type events, Ferraro said Carter is also always there.

“She’ll pop in and always has great knowledge and is very helpful,” Ferraro said. “She’s always happy. She’s always in a great mood.”