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 – Partial Demolition of Former File Factory in Port Hope Begins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S4eqUB49jk Demolition on a section of the former file factory on Cavan Street started on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 in

Read More...

Video – Pedal for Hope Stops in Port Hope and Honours One of Its Own

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ztpa3CxE6Q The Pedal for Hope team stopped in at the Port Hope Police station on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 to

Read More...

Video – Emergency Services Respond to Spill in Cobourg Harbour

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drO5ZZA6rTQ Emergency services attended the Cobourg Marina on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 for reports of a fuel spill in the

Read More...

Mobile Sliding Menu

Terms | Privacy |