did not have the courage to correct my resume when I applied for my current job or at any time since

In other words, she didn't just lie 28 years ago, she's been lying continuously since then, every time she's gone for promotion or transfer.

Had she owned up at any time, I suspect there's a good chance she'd have got away with a formal reprimand. But since it looks like she was found out by someone else, she clearly had no intention to own up - whether through worry or through mendacity, it doesn't really matter to an employer.

Graham.