NEW HAVEN, CT (WTNH) - An 81-year-old woman who watched her six kids graduate from college finally had the chance to do the same.
Genevieve Healey told WTNH's Ann Nyberg that she has plenty to keep her busy with 15 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and another on the way -- but learning keeps her sharp.
Healey decided after the loss of her husband -- and raising and putting six children through college – that it was her turn to achieve her lifelong dream.
"I kept it up year after year, one or two courses a year, and the last five or six years,” said Healey. “Let me see, I had a bout with cancer, I had protocuff surgery, I had appendicitis, I had a blood clot."
Those were minor obstacles for the self-described workaholic, because she had set a goal for herself and she knew that she could do it.
The book lover said her new degree in literature and art appreciation will serve her well.
"I figured at my age now and retired, I'm going to read all of these beautiful classics, and I'm going to understand them," said Healey.
Healey will be graduating Summa Cum Laude from Southern Connecticut State University with the rest of the 2012 class.
When asked about her goals once she graduates, she was very clear.
"I promised God, if I graduated, I'm going to clean my house from the top to the cellar completely," said Healey.
