The Valley Line: Former La Cañada resident celebrates 100th birthday
It was a wonderful gathering of family that celebrated former La Cañadan Jane Olson Hightower on her 100th birthday.
Jane, daughter of Carrie and Tony Olson, was born on Oct. 16, 1915 and raised in Sanger, Calif. She is a graduate of Fresno State University, where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. In 1938, she married Charles Hightower and they were married for 50 years until his passing in 1989.
Jane and Charles raised their three daughters Linda, Carol and Sally, here in La Cañada Flintridge. During her time here, Jane worked in the Glendale school system for 15 years.
In 1978, when she and her husband retired they moved back to Fresno, where she was active in the Fresno Presbyterian Church. She was part of a Children’s Hospital group and also belonged to three bridge groups.
Joining her daughters at the centenarian celebration were family members Elena Kirschner, Charlie Kirschner, Ava Pearce, London Burgess, Nicole Burgess, Suzanne Carnaroli, Carrie Kirschner, Kelly Pearce, Katelyn Carnaroli, Chase Carnaroli and Dax Pearce.
Jane now lives in a senior living residence in Pacific Palisades.
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The Flintridge Guild of Children’s Hospital recently held its annual “Moonlight and Moonshine” benefit. Western wear was the dress code for the event, which was held at the La Cañada Thursday Club.
Delia Cotter and Marilyn Yang were co-chairs for the night that saw plenty of action at the gaming tables of craps and black jack, as well as bids being made on silent auction items and the ever popular “Wine Toss.” It is pretty much an entire membership participation event. Others helping to bring the party to life were Juliet Cullen, Maureen Railsback, Lisa Simone, Patty Dwyer, Daryl Baker-Pollock, Michelle Sabourin, Charlotte Saydah, Savonia Angelica, Debbie Post, Kathy Kovalcik, Kim Kessler and Randy Stanislawski.
The meal was catered by Newport Rib Co. The members made all the delicious desserts served on silver trays at each table. New this year was the “Sweet Shop.” All the taste treats were made by members — caramel apples, toffee, fudge, jams, breads and more! It was an evening to be savored.
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JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada Flintridge social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@aol.com with news of your special event.