Bernard celebrates 100th birthday

    FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013 marked a milestone date for Doris Bernard, formerly of Fort Fairfield and now living at Leisure Gardens in Presque Isle.       On that day, Doris, born Sept. 14, 1913, and approximately 100 family and friends, celebrated her 100th birthday. The celebration was held in Fort Fairfield at the Knights of Columbus Hall and was a big surprise for Doris, who was thrilled to see and visit with friends and family from near and far, many of whom she had not seen for many years.
Many family members traveled from various parts of Maine, Connecticut, Prince Edward Island, and as far away as Florida and Oklahoma to participate in the celebration honoring Doris’ important milestone. Guests enjoyed a delicious luncheon prepared and served by the Daughters of Isabella, as well as Doris’ favorite lemon coconut birthday cake made by Vicki Adams.
During the celebration, there were many surprises for Doris, including official sentiments offered by U.S. Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins and U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud. Chairman of the Fort Fairfield Town Council, David McCrea, who also read a proclamation from the Town Council citing Doris’ contributions to the community, and declaring Sept. 14, 2013 “Doris Bernard Day.”
To further celebrate her 100 years, Doris and guests enjoyed a retrospective slideshow marking various moments during her life. Among the many special gifts offered to Doris for her birthday was a handmade afghan, made by Fred Richard of Prince Edward Island. Another impressive, one-of-a kind gift was made by Doris’ nieces, Jean Brisson, Elaine Cunningham and Cathy Bernard, who fashioned an exquisite quilt featuring heirloom pictures of Doris and her family dating back approximately 100 years.
Following the celebration in Fort Fairfield, festivities continued at Leisure Gardens in Presque Isle. Doris’ friends and several family members celebrated her milestone with a special birthday cake, ice cream and punch. Merilda Bernard, Doris’ sister-in-law, hosted the event and, with her daughters, served the cake and ice cream to the residents of Leisure Gardens.
These 100th birthday celebrations marked by valued time with family and friends, special sentiments and gifts were fitting tributes to the life and amazing spirit of this remarkable lady, Doris Bernard.