FARMINGTON – Nearing her 103rd birthday, Marguerite Van Tassel will receive Farmington’s gold-headed Boston Post cane replica as the town’s oldest resident.

Selectmen approved the award Tuesday and will make arrangements to give her the cane.

“This time the cane is also significant as this August will be the 100th year of the cane award,” Town Manager Richard Davis said. “And it will probably be the last time the recipient is older than the cane.”

Living in Fairbanks since the 1950s when she married her second husband, Vaughn Van Tassel, she ran a furniture store from her Route 4 home with her husband. After closing the furniture shop, she operated a second-hand shop in the space, son Kenneth Durrell said.

Born in Industry on Feb. 18, 1906, Marguerite is a patient at Edgewood Care Facility where she is recovering from a fall.

Until about a month ago, she was still braiding woolen rugs and had regularly donated two to the Fairbanks School Neighborhood Association for its annual auction, Durrell said.

The Van Tassels were also known for growing gladiolus around their home, he said.

Marguerite is the mother of three, Kenneth, Leila and Pauline, and grandmother of several grandchildren, whom she loves dearly, he said.

Cards of cheer and birthday wishes for Van Tassel may be sent to Edgewood Care Facility at 221 Fairbanks Road in Farmington.