LEWISTON – A surprise 50th anniversary party was held recently for Gerard and Beatrice Caron, long-time residents of Lewiston. The celebration was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Lewiston, with family and friends in attendance.

The reception and dinner was planned and hosted by their son and daughter-in-law, Marcel and Karen Caron, and their daughter and son-in-law, Irene and Bruce O’Donnell.

Some members of the original bridal party were in attendance. They are bridesmaids, Yvette Gagnon, sister of Mrs. Caron from South Portland, and Theresa Leveille, sister of Mr. Caron, from Lewiston; and groomsman, Normand Caron, brother of Mr. Caron from Lewiston. A toast was presented to the couple by their brother-in-law, Roger Gagnon of South Portland.

The couple had renewed their vows on Feb. 14, 2004, on World Marriage Day, at Holy Family Church in Lewiston.

One of the highlights of the evening was a historical slide show of the couple’s life and family, with vintage music, produced by their daughter-in-law, Karen Caron

The couple’s original bridal picture was presented on a special signature board for everyone to autograph and will be framed as a permanent memento. A letter of congratulations from President and Mrs. Bush was also given to the couple in honor of their 50 years of marriage.

A band from Quebec was a special surprise for the couple and an organist, a cousin of Mrs. Caron, played the couple’s favorite music and requests.

Mr. Caron and the former Beatrice Cloutier were married on Sept. 25, 1954, at Holy Family Church in Lewiston.

The couple has two children, Marcel Caron of Lewiston and Irene O’Donnell of Turner. They also have a granddaughter, Alanna O’Donnell, a freshman at St. Michael’s College in Vermont, and one grandson, Scott O’Donnell, a junior at St. Joseph’s College in Standish.

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