It was no surprise to anyone passing by Donnajean Jefferies’s house on Monday that it was her 90th birthday.
Her front lawn had been decorated with banners and signs and balloons, and she had visitors coming and going for most of the day to wish her well.
The procession of vehicles that followed, however, was something the Orillia woman didn’t see coming.
“It’s just wonderful,” Jefferies said as the dozens of vehicles rolled by. “I thought the party was over at 4 o’clock.”
Her husband, Jim, who was given a heads-up about the procession, asked her to join him outside for a photo.
“Then, all of a sudden, the cars appeared,” she said. “I didn’t know I had this many friends.”
One couldn’t fault her for losing track of just how many friends she has. Jefferies has made connections and touched people’s lives in the community for decades. Never one to sit still, she has been involved with St. Paul’s Centre, the Orillia Concert Association, the Canadian Federation of University Women, the Stephen Leacock Associates and the Orillia Duplicate Bridge Club.
“She’s a very special lady. She’s done so much for the community. She deserves to be recognized on her birthday,” said Sheryn Jefferies, who has known her friend since moving here 46 years ago.
Joan Gordon echoed that sentiment.
“She’s been a dear friend ever since I moved to Orillia in 1963,” she said. “She’s always so positive. I’ve never heard her complain about anything. She’s just a good person.”
Gordon was inspired while on the golf course Monday morning to write some lyrics to recognize her friend’s big day. She and a group of others who play bridge with Jefferies sang Honouring Donnajean (to the tune of I’m Called Little Buttercup).
Honouring Donnajean
Nine decades, she’s the Queen
Everyone knows she’s a dear
Travelling far and wide
Jim always by her side
Special bridge winner this year
She’s called Little Donnajean
Sweet Little Donnajean
Love her so much it is clear
She raised two fine sons, and
They’re such lucky ones
So we’ll all celebrate with a cheer!
