Duff attributes part of her longevity to walking….and keeping a positive attitude
By Dennis and Loni Rahm. LCN Photo above Georgia with (left to right) Robert, John, Roger, McKaylee and Jeremy.
Georgia Duff thought it was a regular after church potluck yesterday. As she has for many years, she played the giant organ at Sunday service prelude and postlude, and made her way into the fellowship hall at Chelan’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Once she entered the door, the secret was out. Friends and family filled the festively decorated hall. As befitting royalty, she was bestowed with a crown and a sash proudly proclaiming “It’s my 100th Birthday” and immediately surrounded by friends and family who gathered to celebrate her 100-year milestone.
Three of her four sons (John, Robert, and Roger), a grandson, Jeremy, and great-granddaughter, McKaylee, were among the guests. Georgia’s fourth son, Mitchell, was delayed in travel.
Son John, the “spokesperson” of the family shared some of the attributes he feels contributes to his mothers’ longevity.
“She walks. Alot.” he said. “And she leads a healthy and positive lifestyle. Everything in moderation.”
John also mentioned her love of music – a trait they share – as something that has brought Georgia great joy throughout her life and comfort in times of sorrow.
Georgia and her son John.
John told us that Georgia went to high school with long time Wenatchee World publisher, the late Wilford Woods. When attending Woods’ 95th birthday, Georgia, Wilford and one other classmate in attendance showed up in t-shirts that proudly proclaimed: “The last of the great class of 1936 & 1937”. (Woods was a year younger and passed away in 2017 at the age of 97)
Georgia told us that she and her late husband owned and operated Duff’s Harbor House Resort (formerly Green’s resort) on the south shore near the Yacht Club for about 16 years.
Her husband, John senior, who served in both WWII and Vietnam, passed away in 1988 at the age of 70. They were married for 40 years.
Georgia graciously took time during the lunch celebration to allow Dennis to record some of her thoughts, advice and memories.
Dennis talks with Georgia about her life.
Georgia is proof that you never outgrow your need for family, friends….and shoes!
Georgia was delighted to read the giant card signed by her church family.
Georgia’s actual birthday is today (Monday) the 25th.
But as her son, John, indicated – it’s really been more of a “Birthday Week”.
In addition to the church celebration, she had a party earlier with family and friends in Quincy, was guest of honor at a special CHS jazz band performance this morning, and will have a gathering tonight in East Wenatchee.
Georgia is already looking forward to her next birthday. And the one after that.
I’m putting it on my calendar. In ink.
Art and Music help keep Georgia busy. “Life is Great!”
