Helga Doud Marks 100th Birthday
By Jeannette Doud

Helga Doud at home on her 100th birthday.

Saturday, December 9, the historic Community Hall on Market Street was decorated with white poinsettias, candles, and special balloons for the 100th birthday party honoring Helga Doud. Friends and family came from far and near for the festive celebration. The guest of honor was thrilled to have her daughter and son-inlaw, Anna Mary and Gary Cusack, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in attendance. Her niece, Peggy Wickman Bogan, and two daughters attended from Chicago, Mike Doud and Kathy Sliva from St. Ignace, Annie Dennany Kanapilly from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and many other family members joined in extending best wishes to Helga on this momentous occasion.

Helga received special greetings from President George Bush, Congressman Bart Stupak, Governor Jennifer Granholm, and a resolution from the City of Mackinac Island. Chef Tim Leeper prepared a prime rib or whitefish dinner for more than 40 people, and the delicious birthday cake was made by Gwen Bagbey. Helga is an honored and much loved member of our community.

Helga Doud welcomed family and friends at an open house at her lovely home on Lakeshore Drive on the day of her 100th birthday, Wednesday, December 13. She was very happy to greet all her guests from Mackinac and the surrounding communities with her gracious personality and warm smile. Helga was surrounded with baskets of roses in every color. The highlight of her day was being serenaded by all the elementary students from the Mackinac Island Public School, a special salute from the mighty Huron, and a phone call from movie star Kevin Costner. Helga's granddaughter, Amy, and her husband, Jeff Jameson, are the caretakers for the Costner estate in Aspen, Colorado. Helga truly is an amazing lady with wonderful memories not soon to be forgotten.