The Mendon Council on Aging is pleased to announce Justine Southwick Brewer as its 2026 Senior Citizen of the Year. She will be honored at Senior Citizen Day, sponsored by the Mendon Lions Club, on Sept. 20. 

When notified of the award, Justine said, “I am humbly surprised. I am very, very honored. I love Mendon.” 

Since 1978, this annual honor has recognized a resident aged 60 or older who truly embodies the spirit of public service and makes a lasting difference in our community. Over nine decades, Justine has done exactly that, serving as a quiet but powerful force for good.

Justine grew up on Mendon’s Elm Farm Dairy, where she developed a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for agriculture and animals. A self-professed tomboy and a young member of 4-H, she proudly won the Heifer category at just 13 years old, an early indication of the dedication and determination that would guide her throughout her life.

Justine has a lifelong connection to Southwick’s Animal Farm, where she was instrumental in transforming it into a premier, first-rate zoo with natural habitats.

Beyond her dedication to wildlife, Justine has been a fierce protector of local history. She established the Daniels Farmstead Foundation in 2003 to preserve a vital piece of original Mendon heritage. Justine continues to be an active member of the Mendon Historical Society, even helping to create the historic zoo display at the museum.

Justine’s impact stretches across the entire region. She is a past trustee of the Uxbridge Congregational Church, a past director of the Central Massachusetts Visitor and Convention Bureau, and served on the Blackstone Valley Heritage Homecoming Committee. Her endless contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the "Women of Distinction" award in 2005 and induction into the NEAAPA Hall of Fame in 2017.

Closer to home, local groups like the Mendon Lions Club consider her a true benefactor. Whether opening the doors of the zoo for charity events or supporting local nonprofits, Justine has spent her life lifting up others.    

Family has always been at the center of Justine's world. Together with her late husband, Robert Galliford Brewer, she raised five children, all of whom continue to play active roles in the success and growth of Southwick's Zoo. Today, she is the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, with a 10th great-grandchild on the way.

Justine's lifelong commitment to service, generosity, and civic pride has left an enduring mark on Mendon and the surrounding region. Her character is defined by humility, integrity, and a genuine care for others. Never one to seek recognition, she is known as a true "behind-the-scenes" worker whose quiet efforts have benefited countless individuals, organizations, and causes.

Whether planting a garden, preserving local history, supporting charitable causes, strengthening community organizations, or helping build one of New England's most beloved family destinations, Justine has dedicated her life to enriching the lives of others. Her legacy is one of service, stewardship, and kindness—a legacy that continues to inspire future generations.

If you are interested in attending the ceremony on Sept. 20, please register at the senior center. 

Submitted by the Mendon Council on Aging