What a wonderful surprise!

BY ANNIE BIRD

From the time the white limousine picked her up, toured interesting Hants County sites and then pulled up at historic Churchill House, Hantsport resident Eudora Patterson was awestruck.

There to greet her with arms full of flowers were great-grandchildren from Ontario. Grandchildren, children (one from Georgia), friends (one from Germany) and neighbours filled the old house. The Nov. 23 surprise party hosted by her youngest child Patricia Leggett and the limo, also arranged by Patricia, were the crowning glory of Eudora’s 80th birthday, which had been the previous day.

The mother of seven children, 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, Eudora has been married to St. Clair Patterson for 61 years.

Born with a roving gypsy spirit, she has answered the call to wander, driving with her husband across the United States and Canada, vacationing in Arizona, Texas and other places. A trek up to Alaska took them to the top of the world and the Dempster Highway. Square dancing has been an ongoing adventure, highlighted by a trip to Japan.

A devout Christian, her life has always been anchored in Jesus. Her time and talents are given freely in support of her church, ladies’ group, community and, above all, family.

Eudora’s natural charm came to the fore as she greeted her guests with dignity and grace, thanking each one for making her 80th party the surprise it was.

Ryan Leggett offered a prayer of thanksgiving for his grandmother and for the refreshments. Those present spilled from room to room, getting reacquainted.

The many flowers enhanced by a huge pure white arrangement of lilies, daisies and carnations - a gift of the Leggett family - added to the charm of the ornate old house.