Worthy Matron Nancy Gilman, seen at right, and Worthy Patron Gerald Gilman of Messalunskit Chapter 170 Order of the Eastern Star New Sharon, Maine attended the 100th birthday of Gertrude “Skippie” Burbank on January 14, 2019 in Deland, Florida. (Courtesy photo)

NEW SHARON — Worthy Matron Nancy Gilman and Worthy Patron Gerald Gilman of Messalunskit Chapter  170 Order of the Eastern Star surprised Gertrude “Skippie” Burbank for her 100th birthday celebration.

The Gilmans were in Deland, Florida for the special occasion.

Burbank is a Life Member of OES and a former Maine resident. She joined Eastern Star in Farmington, Maine on May 1, 1943. She loves Eastern Star. She traveled with Joanne Moody to meetings around the state of Maine and stays in touch with Moody, Vangie Prescott and others. She spoke fondly of Betty Wing and was sorry to hear of her passing. At one time, she drove her motor home to Somerset Chapter OES in Stratton, Maine and spent several days sewing curtains for the lodge there.

Burbank was born January 14, 1919 in Turner, Maine. She grew up on a farm in Hebron. She graduated high school and married Kenneth Burbank in 1937. They had one son and adopted two children. She has two grandsons, one of whom flew with his wife and son to Florida from New Hampshire for her birthday.

The Burbanks served their country in World War II. While her husband was overseas, Skippie served in the  Air Force as a plane observer. She lived in Maine and Florida for many years, driving her motor home with car in tow to Maine in the summer and spending the winters in  Florida. She and Kenneth traveled all over the United States in their motor home.  She quit driving back and forth 10 years ago. She settled in Paisley, Florida and now is a resident of Deland, Florida.

Burbank loves crocheting and knitting, making things for others. She loves to go for rides to yard sales and out to eat. She has two great ladies, Debbie and Anita, that go with her.

As a resident of Florida Burbank worked for years at the and snack shop and store at DeLeon Springs and also worked at the Big Rig Truck Stop.

Burbank is a member of Eastern Star, Girl Scout leader, Lady Shriner, Eagles Club, Pomona Grange, State  Grange, Paisley Association President, Congregational Church of Deland, American Legion, Red  Cross volunteer, Red Hats Society and treasurer of the Deland Marching Bulldog Band. She bowled every week with the Sunshine Bowling League until last year.

Her birthday celebrations this year included two parties over two days. One was at Brian’s BBQ on Sunday,  January 13 and the other was at Woodland Towers where she resides. A bluegrass band, The Virginia Boys, play each year at Brian’s and wanted to play at both parties. Gertrude stood up and sang with them at one point.

“It was a great privilege that Gerry and I could be in Deland to attend her birthday party,” Nancy said. “Skippie is one sharp lady. She was so pleased to see someone from home and meet us. She had no idea we were in  Deland.”

Skippie would love to hear from her Eastern Star family. Her address is Gertrude Burbank, Woodland Towers
Room 409A, 113 Chipola Ave, Deland, Florida 32720.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net