Wednesday night, 9 September 2015, would have been Challis Macpherson’s 79th Birthday. Prior to her passing and when she was feeling better, she requested a surprise birthday party. This date, this Wednesday, turned out to be a surprise birthday, we-love-yah, see-yah-later party.

Challis’ daughter Daihna raising her glass for a toast to her mother. Diahna said her mother would not have wanted any mourning. She would have wanted a party. All later sang Happy Birthday, ate, told stories, danced.

Former Councilwoman Ruth Galanter, former VNC President DeDe Audet, and President of Presidents’ Row Neighborhood Harris Levey.

Denise Fast and Voice of Canals Editor Darryl Dufay.

Former Secretary of State Debra Bowen whose roots with Challis go way back to before Bowen took any office. Bowen related the story about how Challis decided everyone should chip in to purchase a campaign button making machine.

Ron Aronson and Laura Silagi.

(Photo courtesy of Karen Wolfe.)
Venice Neighborhood Council (VNC) President Mike Newhouse, former President DeDe Audet, and former president Linda Lucks.

Friend of Challis for many years Elizabeth Wright said the jacket she wore was done by Challis. Many of the party goers were former sewing friends. One lady related that she and Challis had a class of young sewers and two of their students later entered the Fashion Institute.