SWANNANOA — Friends and parishioners of St. Margaret Mary Church organized a surprise party and parade May 30 to celebrate the 100th birthday of long-time member Julie Howachyn.
Plans for a party at the church had to be changed due to public health restrictions, but the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t stop everyone from throwing a party for Howachyn outside her home instead.
There was a surprise parade down the driveway outside her house, where her family had set up a tent. More than 45 parishioners came out to sing “Happy Birthday” to her, and Father Brian Becker, parochial administrator, gave Howachyn a special birthday blessing.
Howachyn said she was so surprised and happy to see her fellow parishioners.
Howachyn and her late husband moved to the Swannanoa Valley and joined St. Margaret Mary Parish over 30 years ago. A daily Mass goer until only recently, she has been active in almost every volunteer role possible and in a variety of liturgical and social ministries at the parish. One of her most memorable efforts was the stained glass window project at the church.
— Catholic News Herald
