Thelma Kieffer celebrates 100 years

Since her, son Randy and his wife Christine could not fly from their home on East coast due to the spread of COVID-19, Joanna Matos with the help of Elizabeth Daniels, organized a bigger-than-life surprise lawn birthday party for Thelma Kieffer’s 100th birthday.

Thelma’s health provider Scan began the party celebration with a guitarist singing, balloon bouquet, huge cards and a gift. Thelma didn’t blow out her 100 candles but her favorite lemon cake from Ralph’s Market was served to her neighbors.

Jim Gauderman, the Seal Beach Police volunteer fleet manager, pulled up in front of Thelma’s home on Oakmont Street with a surprise of three police cars, sirens and lights to make a presentation of two commemorative coins. The volunteer officers stayed to greet the neighbors with a friendly “elbow.”

The Seal Beach Battalion Fire Truck also rolled up and the surprise just got bigger. Thelma was a good sport when Fire Capt. Steve Kirha asked her if she like to hold the hose. Fireman Feldman promptly crowned her with his helmet. Capt. Kirha told Thelma that his birthday was also July 29. It is one birthday Thelma will not forget with neighbors, singing, cards, flowers, lemon cake, banners, lawn decorations, balloons, Seal Beach Police, the big red Seal Beach Fire truck and the love shown her on her special Century day.