Herald-Guide PEOPLE WATCH

SURPRISE! Norco’s Georgia Landry celebrates 80th birthday with family and friends

HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Georgia Landry got more than just a few presents for her birthday, she had the best kind of birthday party ever - a SURPRISE party.

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Little did Georgia Landry of Norco know that a small birthday dinner would turn into a great big one when family and friends gathered at the Knights of Columbus Hall on March 8 to surprise Georgia on her 80th birthday.

When Steve Deslattes, Georgia’s brother, detoured the van he was supposed to be driving to dinner into the hall’s parking lot, he used the excuse that he had to pick up his wife, Laura, who was supposedly attending a baby shower.

Georgia’s sisters, Claudia LaBauve, Aline Corey and White Clouatre - who were all in the van with her - knew about the party and knew that they were all heading to the building to join the other guests who were patiently waiting to get the party started. It was hosted by her sons, Harvey, Harold and Barry.

Since Georgia’s birthday is actually March 12, she had no idea that she was in store for a surprise party.

Everyone joined in the singing of “Happy Birthday” as she surprisingly entered the hall and when she blew out the candles.

Friends and family in attendance came from as far as Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi and Florida to be with her on this special day.

Throughout the evening Gerogia was shocked, excited and overjoyed, particularly as she was greeted by her grandchildren - Briana, Crystal, Darla and Emily - who she had not seen in quite some time.

Her two great-grandchildren Ashton and Angelina - who she met for the first time - were also at the party.

Other grandchildren who attended were Rosanna and Cherie - the daughters of Harvey and Sandra - and Janna - the daughter of Barry and Teresa.

There were nieces and nephews as well. Particularly Arlene, who is the daughter of Steve Deslattes, and the children of her sister White - Sandra, Pam, Marilyn, Darren, and Paula along with their children and spouses.

Numerous cousins and lots and lots of friends, even the former mail lady to many in Norco, Dorothy Richards, stopped by.

Two honored guests included Father John Marse and Father Terry Hayden.

Presentations and speeches at the party started with a walk down memory lane back to 1928 by way of a video and slide presentation courtesy of her brother Harvey. Photographs that depicted her life from childhood to the present were presented by Barry and a bouquet of roses were given by Harold along with Cathy Guillot.

There were lots of gifts, too many to mention here, but one in particular that touched her heart was a certificate signed by President Bill Clinton honoring her late son, Eric, who served in the Marines .

This heartfelt gift was presented to her by her grandchildren.

And of course there was cake and decorations, both in red and white because of Georgia’s love for the passionate color.

Lots of food, fun and stories definitely made the evening one to remember.

Everyone passed a good time and Georgia truly felt like “queen for the day.”