Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, Fabruary 11, 2022 Malden Today, Tomorrow and Yesterday – Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Christie retires By Peter F. Levine A fter 48 years of dedicated public service, Elizabeth “Betty” Christie (the longest tenured full-time employee of the city) retired. Betty has been a staple at City Hall and the TreaLaw Offices of Terrence W. Kennedy 512 Broadway, Everett • Criminal Defense • Personal Injury • Medical Malpractice Tel: (617) 387-9809 Cell: (617) 308-8178 twkennedylaw@gmail.com surer’s Office for many of those years – known and beloved by colleagues and residents alike. The date for history to note was Thursday, Jan 27. When I first heard that Betty was retiring from the Treasurer’s Office, I was saddened. Not because she loves my columns, or she is always a pleasure to work with whenever I would do business there, but because it is the end of an era. Betty started her career in 1974, working 48 years for the City of Malden, in a Malden quite different from today’s Malden, in a world quite different from today’s. As I thought more on her retirement, speaking with her about it also, I was happy that Betty would be getting some much-deserved time off from the hectic pace of the 9-5 working life. Some Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Christie background...Betty was a force of nature. A certainty in an unLaw Offices of JOSEPH D. CATALDO, P.C. “ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW” • ESTATE/MEDICAID PLANNING • WILLS/TRUSTS/ESTATES • INCOME TAX PREPARATION • WEALTH MANAGEMENT • RETIREMENT PLANNING • ELDER LAW 369 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 (617)381-9600 JOSEPH D. CATALDO, CPA, CFP, MST, ESQUIRE. AICPA Personal Financial Specialist Designee Betty Christie gets VIP treatment from Mayor Gary Christenson on her last day of employment at City Hall. (Courtesy Photo) certain world, from what sources from up on high have told me, she successfully managed the window at the Treasurer’s Office on a daily basis with almost perfect attendance year after year, after year. She’s assisted tens of thousands of Maldonians in person (my mom included), processed millions of payments and been happy to do it each and every day (with a smile most of the time, stern Betty when necessary – insert smiley face). As a resident of Malden her whole life (and Malden High School graduate), Betty has seen the city grow into what it is today: a vibrant, diverse community that we can all stand tall and be proud of. Betty was indeed part of making this happen. In her capacity in the T’s Office collecting the funds needed to support all the city’s initiatives that we enjoy today, Betty can look back with pride at her and the city’s accomplishments. For real! Loved this quote by the Director of the T’s Office, Dan Grover: “People come and go in this city but Betty has shown that you need not go far to leave an indelible impression upon your co-workers and the city in which she has dedicated so much of her life to. Betty, you will be missed greatly by all of us here in the office as well as by those in City Hall and all the constituents you have helped day after day, year after year and decade after decade. I wish you the best of health and happiness in your retirement and am happy to say I have had the privilege of working with you.” Ten fun Elizabeth “Betty” Christie facts: • First day, 1974 • 48 years working for the city • At four City Hall locations • Under six Treasurers • Voting for 10 Presidents during that span and serving six Mayors • In the year Betty started at the old City Hall, 1974, The Rumble in the Jungle saw Muhammad Ali defeat George Foreman in Zaire, Africa. • In the year Betty started at the old City Hall, 1974, Richard Nixon resigned. • In the year Betty started at the old City Hall, 1974, Leonardo DiCaprio was born. • In the year Betty started at the old City Hall, 1974, Carl Douglas’s “Kung Fu Fighting” reached number one on the pop charts. Well, another Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Christie is not walking through the front door of City Hall any time soon. Betty was a very special employee as well as a very special person. Her presence at City Hall will be missed for years to come. I always enjoyed our times interacting as I would visit the Treasurer’s Office. So did my mom. You will be dearly missed, my friend. For those who do not know Betty, for those that knew Betty, for those who will befriend Betty in the future, here is a small peek into Betty’s life. Enjoy... 1. My full name is...Elizabeth “Betty” Christie 2. I am currently...recently retired. 3. I am saving up for...a new car. 4. My home is in... Malden. 5. I love people who...are sincere. 6. Something I say a lot is...“It is what it is.” 7. I consider myself to be...a caring person. 8. I need to have...stability in my life. 9. My favorite movie of all time is...“Fiddler on the Roof.” 10. My all-time role model is... my maternal grandmother. MALDEN: TODAY| SEE PAGE 9
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