At 98 years old, Marion Thomas has played many roles in her long life.

A devoted wife and mother, avid gardener, and Provincetown civic booster for nearly three decades, Thomas took on a new title Monday afternoon.

Surrounded by family, the Rochester resident was honored with the Boston Post Cane by Town Clerk Naida Parker.

It has been awarded to the town’s oldest living citizen since 1909.

“Oh, it’s beautiful,” Thomas said upon receiving the gold-headed, ebony cane.

Thomas was born on Dec. 21, 1916 in Provincetown to Portuguese immigrants. She spent most of her life there, before moving to Rochester 10 years ago to be near family.

Her son Tom Thomas, his wife Darlene, and their daughter Jodi, along with her niece and two great-nieces, were among those in attendance at the ceremony held in the Senior Center.

As part of an extended family of fishermen, Tom said his mother focused on raising children and running the household while her husband was on the water.

“She was a fisherman’s wife…She also spent a lot of time chasing after me,” Tom joked.

Kathy Rubbico said her great-aunt always has time for family.

“She takes care of everybody,” Rubbico said. “She’s so genuine and has a big heart.”

In her 50s, Marion started working for the Provincetown Chamber of Commerce. She spent 27 years there before retiring at the age of 85.

When asked about the key to his mother’s longevity, Tom said it’s no secret.

“It’s just good living, really. She always took care of herself, never smoked, never drank,” he said. “She had one cup of coffee a day, that I know of.”

Excellent genetics are also on her side.

One of Marion’s brothers lived to be 101, and another passed away at the age of 99. Two other siblings lived to their 80s.

In addition to family, her other interest is gardening. At her old home in Provincetown, she tended hydrangeas, roses and many other plants for 70 years.

“She was definitely a gardener,” said Laurie O’Neil, Marion’s great-niece. “Her roses still run the length of the house.”

For Marion, having so many family members at the ceremony was a pleasant surprise.

“She had no idea the rest of the family was coming. She’s a very humble lady so this is above and beyond,” said Tom.

The family, which boasts five generations, is about to get bigger. Marion has three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a second great-great-grandchild is one the way.

Regarding her status as the town’s oldest resident, Marion said it is an honor.

“I think it’s wonderful. Today has been very nice,” she said.

Parker said Marion will hold onto the cane for safe keeping.

Unlike most towns, Rochester allows the oldest resident to keep the cane until they pass away. Many towns will present the cane in a ceremony, but store it elsewhere.

Rochester’s cane is one of 700 originals sent to New England towns by Edwin Grozier, publisher of the Boston Post newspaper. The head is engraved with the inscription, “Presented by the Boston Post to the oldest citizen of Rochester.” As the cane’s trustees, Selectmen are charged with keeping it in the hands of the oldest resident.

Parker said Rochester is lucky to have held onto the cane through the years.

“Rochester is a small town so we have the luxury of keeping the original cane,” she said. “That might be harder to do in a larger municipality.”