DIXFIELD – Eva Sassi Taylor attributes her longevity to not smoking or drinking. It could also be her joy for life, her love of the Red Sox, and her involvement with her huge family and many friends.

She’ll be 99 on Oct. 26. Surrounded by family members on Monday, she was honored by Town Manager Tom Richmond and Selectmen’s Chairwoman Bettina Martin with the Boston Post Cane, a plaque, flowers and chocolates. The cane goes back to the town office where it is on permanent display. Taylor’s name will be added to the list of Boston Post Cane recipients.

Taylor returned to Elsemore Apartments from a nursing home after spending a month recuperating from a broken hip late last year, her granddaughter, Darlene Whitaker, said.

“She’s so with it,” Whitaker said.

Taylor was born in Rumford, worked for more than 20 years in central services at Rumford Hospital, and married Harry Taylor, now deceased.

She has lived in Dixfield for about 23 years.

She has a Red Sox sign displayed above the living room mirror, and faithfully watches as many games as she can.

She was delighted that the Sox won the World Series in 2004 and 2007, but doubts that they will win this year. She’s a big fan of Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz.

“But I like them all,” she said.

Planting flowers is her passion, despite the limited space she has at the apartment complex.

“I love them. There’s three buds on my tulips,” she said.

Taylor is the mother of two: Frank, who was at her apartment Monday afternoon and Bob (Doc), who died recently. She also has nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and three more great-great grandchildren on the way.

Her family is scattered throughout Maine, Vermont, Virginia and Kentucky.

Martin said the presentation of the Boston Post Cane, which honors the eldest resident in a town, was the first time it has been bestowed here in several years. She said that was an oversight.