GREENE – Gerard R. “Pete” and Constance R. “Connie” Gauthier of Greene and New Port Richey, Fla., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a surprise gathering Aug. 2 at the Carriage Plus Function Hall in Lewiston. Party hosts were daughters and spouses, Pauline J. Gauthier, Jackie and Gene Chabot, and Rita and Tom Gigliotti.

Prior to the party, the couple, their children and grandchildren stopped by to visit with Mr. Gauthier’s 94-year-old mother, Gabrielle Gauthier. They presented her with a vase of long-stemmed yellow roses and greeted her with hugs and kisses.

The hall was decorated with copies of original wedding photos. Small white lights adorned ceiling and greenery, gold and white balloons and large gold ribbons were set as centerpieces on each table. Individual favors were made for each guest. The favors were small wine glasses adorned with a small gold ribbon and remembrance tag. Each glass contained an ivory colored, vanilla scented candle.

The head table had a beautiful large red rose floral centerpiece with two tall taper candles, greens and golden accents. The red roses symbolized the original wedding bouquet carried by Mrs. Gauthier in 1958. Table linens were selected to match Mrs. Gauthier’s beautiful, full length, beaded, lavender anniversary gown.

The anniversary cake was a large three-tier vanilla and chocolate layered cake with ivory colored columns and small cherubs carrying red hearts. Red roses edged the middle tier and the top of the cake was adorned by the original bride and bridegroom topper from the original wedding cake, from when the couple was married in 1958.

Throughout the dinner and dance reception, a large screen monitor displayed photos detailing Mr. and Mrs. Gauthier’s lifelong friendship, courtship, engagement, wedding, honeymoon trip and the raising of their three loving daughters. Also included were photos of the Gauthier’s five beautiful grandchildren as they have grown and continue to succeed. Photos were also included of the couple’s parents and many friends.

In addition to the party, the Gauthiers received a vacation package from their children. Friends and other family members presented the couple with gift certificates to be used in Maine and in Florida, as well as additional funds for their 50th wedding anniversary honeymoon vacation.

Sentimental toasts were made by each of the Gauthier’s three daughters, Pauline Gauthier, Jackie Chabot and Rita Gigliotti. After dinner, the couple was presented with individual white carnations and greens from each of their five grandchildren, Sara and Peter Chabot, and Laura, Tommy and Danny Gigliotti, as each grandchild recounted their favorite memories and experiences in times spent with their grandparents.

Guests at the party offered up their own toasts and memories throughout the evening.

Mr. Gauthier and the former Constance Moreau, daughter of the late Roland and Irene Moreau, were married Aug. 2, 1958, at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Lewiston.

Mr. Gauthier is son of Mrs. Gabrielle Gauthier and the late Sylvio Gauthier.

In addition to their three daughters, their grandchildren are Sara Michelle Chabot, Peter Julien Chabot, Laura Irene Gigliotti, Thomas Christian Gigliotti and Daniel Joseph Gigliotti.

Mrs. Gauthier is a retired manager of the Lewiston School nutrition program. She continues to meet with “the retirees” for lunch when she is back in Maine. When in Florida, Mrs. Gauthier enjoys line dancing and square dancing with her friends.

Mr. Gauthier is retired and formerly served as a court officer for Androscoggin County Superior Court. He formerly served as an officer and later as president of the St. Pierre/Community Credit Union board of directors. He was a member of the Lewiston Charter Commission, the Lewiston Public Works board and was involved in many local political campaigns. Mr. Gauthier is a Fourth Degree member of the Holy Cross Knights of Columbus.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Gauthier are members of the Sabattus Senior Citizen Group and former members of the Holy Cross Senior Citizens Group. They belong to Holy Rosary Parish in Sabattus, as well as the Queen of Peace Church in New Port Richey, Fla. They are both active in their community association in New Port Richey and enjoy playing shuffleboard, cards and a game of “Tock,” as well as walking and bike riding.

Original wedding attendants present were Richard Blais, ring bearer, Fern Gauthier, best man, and Albert Sirois, groomsman.

Guests attended from Maine, Florida, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, Texas, Missouri, Ontario, Canada, and Levi and St. Anselm, Canada.