Birthday parades have become the norm, in an era of COVID-19 and social distancing.
But the birthday parade for Lillian Vaughan on Saturday, May 9, was something special.
It wasn’t only that the “guests” came from as far away as Toronto, Oro-Medonte and Wyevale, to drive past Vaughan as she sat on a birthday 'throne' just inside the front doors at Innisfil Community Church – honking their horns and waving hand-made posters and cards, despite unseasonal temperatures and blowing snow.
It was because Vaughan was celebrating a very special birthday: her 101st.
“Gran” to some of those who drove past, “Aunt Lil” to others – Vaughan’s well-wishers included her son, two grandchildren, a great granddaughter - as well as “Step” grandkids and great grandkids.
“We like to refer to them as 'Bonus Grandkids' and 'Bonus Great Grandkids',” said granddaughter Jennifer Hay, with whom she now lives with, and who organized the parade.
Vaughan was born in England on May 9, 1919. She was brought to Canada at the age of only six months and grew up in Oro-Medonte. She has lived in Brampton and Etobicoke and in 2002 moved to Innisfil, to live with her granddaughter.
Accepting gifts and cards from well-wishers was her son, Lloyd – who spoke about his mother’s life-long passion for sports.
“She loves the Blue Jays. She loves the Barrie Colts – we take her to Colts’ games,” he said, during non-COVID times.
Some of his earliest memories, at the age of eight, were of accompanying his mom on the streetcar to the old Maple Leaf Stadium at the foot of Bathurst Street, to watch Triple A Baseball – the precursor to the Jays.
“She never played sports, but she loves sports,” he said – and even now, at the age of 101, keeps up-to-date with world news and her favourite sports teams.
In addition to family members and friends, participants in the parade included Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard, MPP Andrea Khanjin, Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin, and Coun. Ken Fowler - who brought along a hand-made sign, made by his son.
Vaughan waved at all who drove by, and was occasionally moved to tears on occasion by the sight of family members came from far away to bring birthday greetings.
She was especially delighted when Innisfil Fire & Rescue drove a fire truck past the doors of the church, lights flashing, where she sat out of the draft.
And, she told everyone, now that she has reached 101, “I’m starting over again at number one!”
