A Pandemic Didn’t Stop The Tears of Joy for This Cobourg Woman Who Celebrated Her 89th Birthday

In Community, Photo Gallery

COVID-19 couldn’t dampen this birthday party in Cobourg.

Betty Gifford celebrated her 89th birthday at Extendicare on Densmore Road in Cobourg.

But when she went outside to pose for a photo, she wasn’t aware what was about to happen.

“She had no idea,” said her granddaughter Sarah Willett.

“She just thought her PSW was taking her outside for some fresh air.”

Family members decorated their cars in nearby St. Mary School parking lot.

Then one by one at 1:45 p.m., the vehicles came down the hill into the parking lot and drove by Gifford. The sides of the vehicles were decorated with balloons and signs, even one was upside down. But the message of love came across loud and clear.

Gifford is the last surviving member of 10 siblings. She has one bother-in-law, three children, three step-daughters, 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

“I couldn’t see through the tears,” she said after the birthday parade was over.

Pete Fisher
Author: Pete Fisher

Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love

Join Our Newsletter!

Want to keep up to date on news and events in Northumberland? Subscribe to newsletter!

You may also read!

Video – The Ninth Annual Port Hope Police Tammies Jammies Reached Its Goal – And More

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy-2XV3sPL8 It was a busy day on Saturday, December 20, 2025 in Port Hope as Port Hope Police Constable Tammie

Read More...

Exclusive – Video – Photo Gallery – Grinch Takes The Fun Out of Christmas in Bowmanville

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92UfKGfuDlY The Clay family has been served notice from the Municipality of Clarington - Skelly’s got to go. Skelly has been

Read More...

Video – Photo Gallery – Battle of the Badges Hockey Game in Support of Food Bank

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7lgO1YvH2E The Battle of the Badges took place at the Keeler Centre in Colborne on Friday, December 19, 2025. The game

Read More...

Mobile Sliding Menu