Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken's grandparents immigrated to Gloucester in the 1940's.  Many of her relatives worked in the fishing industry in Gloucester.  Mayor Romeo Theken was married to a commercial fisherman and worked as a fish packer at Gorton's and later for the Addison Gilbert Hospital.  After her husband died, she began to get more involved in the Gloucester community and advocating for fishers.  She became vice president of the Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Association.  Mayor Romeo Theken also earned a B.A. and M.A in Business Management from San Diego State University.  She was on City Council for thirteen years and has served as the Mayor of Gloucester since 2016.  She continues to volunteer at the Rose Baker Senior Center doing SHINE, Serving Health Insurance needs for Elders.

Scope and Content Note

Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken provides a comprehensive and heartfelt account of the lives of fishing families. Mayor Romeo Theken sheds light on the unique challenges and strength displayed by these tight-knit communities. She emphasizes the bond among fishing wives, speaking of the shared experiences, mutual support, and camaraderie that define their relationships. They are described as pillars of strength for one another, understanding the hardships they face and lending a helping hand whenever needed. The Mayor delves into the daily routines and traditions observed by fishing families and describes the arduous tasks undertaken by wives while their husbands are at sea, juggling household responsibilities, childcare, and financial management. Despite the demanding nature of their roles, they take pride in upholding the routines and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Mayor Romeo Theken goes on to share perspectives concerning the changing regulations in the fishing industry. These regulations have disrupted the traditional fishing routines and brought financial strain to families, highlighting the need for adaptive measures to mitigate these challenges and ensure the sustainability of fishing communities. Mayor Romeo Theken advocates for the rights of fishing families, underscoring the importance of recognizing their contributions and providing necessary support.