Happy Ninetieth, Rita

Four generations of family came from near and far last weekend to help Rita Trollop (nee Wood) celebrate her 90th birthday anniversary at the Johnson Goodwin Village in Donald.

Among those who helped her blow out the candles during the afternoon tea party were some of her 14 great grandchildren.

Also in attendance were her sister Gwen Anderson, brothers Lindsay and George Wood, children Robyn, Helen and Laurie, sons-in-law Graeme and Ian, daughter-in-law Brenda, six of her eight grandchildren (two grandsons and their families were unable to attend from interstate), brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and other family members.

Son Laurie spoke of three key “F”s in Rita’s life: her family, faith and friends. After welcoming all in attendance, Laurie thanked them for coming and also expressed appreciation of his cousin Lynne Walsh and the Johnson Goodwin Homes for hosting the celebration.

Rita’s youngest brother George recalled some significant events in his sister’s life, including the Wood family’s shift from the farm at Massey into Donald in the early 1940s for the sake of Rita’s education, and regular visits to the family home by Rita’s late husband Gordon when he and Rita were courting. They subsequently married and had five children (Garry and Ian dec.).

Congratulating his sister on her milestone birthday, George noted her quiet but determined temperament.