Shirley Watt celebrates 60 years as law secretary
By Geri Corey
GOSHEN — “It’s been a great 60 years, a wonderful 60 years,” said Goshenite Shirley Watt. "But it just doesn’t feel like 60 years.”
Watt celebrated her 60th anniversary working as a law secretary in the same building, 140 Main Street in Goshen, at a June 26 party given in her honor at Limoncello at Orange Inn.
She graduated from Goshen High School in 1953, on a Friday. She showed up the next day, Saturday, for her first day of work at her new job. She’s still at it, seldom if ever missing a day of work.
Her first employer was attorney Merel Scheidell, for whom she worked for 27 years. When attorneys Stephen Hunter and John Cameron bought the building after Scheidell’s retirement, Watt came with it. Part of the purchase agreement included keeping Watt on as secretary.
Her boss is glad she’s there.
“She’s at her desk before seven," Hunter said. "I can’t get there before her. At 5 I’m begging her to leave."
About six years ago, Hunter’s son-in-law, Brett Broge, joined the firm, which is now called Hunter and Broge.
Through the years, Watt gave birth to four children: Mary Ann Wilson, of Glen Spey; Kathy, of Long Island, who has three sons; James, of Montgomery; and John, of Washingtonville.
“I have four great children," Watt waid. "They never gave me any problems, and they never complained about me working." She's proud to mention that her older son, James, is the Village of Goshen Police Chief.
Watt has four grandsons and was recently presented with her first great-grandchild, a girl called Maddie.
For exercise, she walks nine miles a day. She walks before work in the morning, during lunch break, and then again after work. On weekends, she steps it up a bit.
Watt has no plans to retire.
“As long as my health is good, I’m going to continue," she said. "I guess they like me. I’m still there. It’s been great. I’m looking forward to the next 60 years.”
“We have a great relationship,” said Hunter. “She knows what has to be done. If the truth be known, Shirley lets me work there. But I do tell her she’s on probationary status.”