Sandy Cove Acres resident Vicky Urwin wasn’t expecting a big party for her birthday.
But the Sandy Cove chapter of the Senior Wish Association brought cake, ice cream, flowers and balloons, and invited neighbours and friends to drop in for the celebration on Wednesday afternoon.
Urwin was turning 96, and local Senior Wish co-ordinators and party organizers Linda Lewer and Linda Moyles wanted to make sure that the milestone event was memorable – especially after two years of COVID restrictions.
What made the event extra special was that Urwin is not only one of Sandy Cove’s oldest residents – if not the oldest – but she is also a veteran of the Second World War.
Urwin joined the Canadian Women’s Army Corps in 1942 at the age of 16, admittedly “fudging” her baptismal record to enlist. She saw out the end of the war and was discharged in 1946, but re-enlisted – finally retiring in 1958, with the rank of staff sergeant.
She is still involved in Sandy Cove’s Veterans’ Social Club.
Party goers brought cards and best wishes, toasted Urwin’s health, and checked out the ‘memories book’ of Urwin’s life, another project of Senior Wish that captures the “personal legacies” of local seniors. The book was put together by long-time friend and neighbour, Lillian Norman - a labour of love that took two years to complete.
“It’s really nice to see all these people coming to see little old me,” said Urwin as she blew out the candles, then accepted a slice of cake topped with ice cream from care provider Kathryn McEllistrum.
Sandy Cove’s Senior Wish Association not only arranges treats and surprises for individual seniors in the community, but also hosts an annual birthday bash at the Spoke for all Sandy Cove residents over the age of 80 – and invited Urwin to come out in September to celebrate again.
