She is surprised to see the Wanganui Chronicle at her door when she has already had coverage for her Auckland medal wins.
She shows me her gold medal winner's cap and backpack along with her sizeable collection of medals, and a 1979 Finnish newspaper clipping written by Mauri Saari.
The writer was one of the kind people who had helped Mavis out when she was in Finland in 1961.
The English notes on the back of the article explained that Mavis had written to say she was married to Whanganui man Neil Carter and the couple had four children.
Cherie Carter says her parents separated over 30 years ago and her father, who had remarried, died last year.
"I took mum to visit him before he died," says Cherie.
"She thanked him for giving her four beautiful children and told him how grateful she was for having us."
Cherie and her three siblings have all moved away from Whanganui but she and her son Nick visit from their homes in Wellington and Paraparaumu twice each month.
"Nick understands that people who are aging need support so we come to Whanganui and make sure mum has everything she needs and help with mowing lawns and grocery shopping - things like that.
"We also visit my stepmother in Marton and do the same for her."
Nick Carter now wants to do something extra for his grandmother as he says her health has deteriorated since she competed at the Masters Games.
"She doesn't have any savings or life insurance so I have set up a Givealittle page to help cover her funeral when the time comes," he says.
Nick explains that after the recent death of his grandfather, family members are not able to give Mavis the celebration she deserves.
To learn more or donate visit the givealittle page.