Across Generations: GSUSA – Grandma Elliott

Girl Scout Leader for more than 50 years

Legacy Level: Troop Grandmother

“It was one of the happiest days of my life.” — Grandma Elliott

Snapshot Memory

To celebrate her 90th birthday, “Grandma” Elliott was honored by the girls of Troop 355 with a surprise party filled with songs, cake, and heartfelt gifts. As their beloved “Troop Grandmother,” she was greeted with red roses, a scrapbook of troop memories, and 90 candles to mark her remarkable milestone.

The event was planned by Troop Leader Mrs. John Van Matre and Assistant Leaders Mrs. Charles Cain and Mrs. Debbie Johnson. Girls ages 7 to 11 sang “Happy Birthday” and gave Grandma Elliott a big group hug to close the celebration.

Story Source

Personal newspaper clipping submitted by Deborah L.

Grandma Elliott Takes Pride In Her Girl Scout “Dolls”

To the strains of “Happy Birthday, dear Grandma,” the familiar gray-haired little lady arrived at her surprise party to be greeted by the members of Troop 355 of the Anderson Meadows Neighborhood, who had planned the event.

“Grandma” Elliott, who celebrated her 90th birthday with the Girl Scout troop that had designated her their “Troop Grandmother,” was honored at the home of Mrs. John Van Matre, Troop 355 leader, with a birthday cake and gifts.

The festive party was planned by Mrs. Van Matre and her assistant leaders, Mrs. Charles Cain and Mrs. Debbie Johnson.

Grandma Elliott was presented with a birthday cake decorated with 90 candles and received a number of gifts, including a large bouquet of red roses.

The girls of Troop 355, ages 7 to 11, sang “Happy Birthday” and other songs for their beloved grandmother. They also gifted her a scrapbook filled with pictures and mementos from their troop activities.

Grandma Elliott, who had been a Girl Scout leader for more than 50 years, was deeply touched by the party and the affection shown by the girls. She said it was one of the happiest days of her life.

The celebration concluded with one more round of “Happy Birthday” and a big group hug for Grandma Elliott.

Tia Kennard