Fauquier Health Rehabilitation and Nursing Center resident celebrates 90th birthday with parade

On Sunday, April 11, 2021, a celebratory birthday parade was held at Fauquier Health Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for resident, Della Ashby. Della celebrated her 90^th birthday on April 8, 2021.

Della Ashby was all smiles, even behind her mask. Della celebrated her 90th birthday with a drive-through parade.

Every year, Della’s daughter, Kelly Ashby, throws a big party for her mother with family and friends. Last year was one of the first years in a long time Della and her family were not able to celebrate together. During April of 2020, the Nursing Center was facing strict lock down and visitation restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After enduring months of zero to limited visitation, Kelly decided enough was enough. Around Christmas, Kelly had started planning to orchestrate a parade of cars with Santa Clause for her mother and the residents to see. Unfortunately, due to the brutally cold winter weather and increasing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the community, the celebration was once again postponed.

Finally, hope was in sight. On March 15, 2021, FHRNC was excited to announce that due to the decreasing number of COVID-19 cases in the area, they were able to resume limited visitation. This came right before Della Ashby’s next birthday – a milestone of 90 years. Kelly once again started planning in preparation of a birthday parade. As the saying goes, ‘third time’s the charm.’ Formal invitations were sent out inviting selected guests to join in a car parade celebration.

Della has one proud family who was excited to celebrate her birthday with her.

On April 11, 2021 cars began lining up in the parking lot of the county building at the bottom of hospital hill. The cars then began their journey up the hill to visit FHRNC. Even a special appearance was made by Warrenton Volunteer Fire Company. All guests were required to stay in their cars and proceeded to parade around the building. Mrs. Della Ashby and other residents were escorted outside where they could sit and watch the parade. The cars drove by Della cheering, honking, and waving.

The cars in the parade began their journey up hospital hill to wave at Della Ashby for her 90th birthday. Even a special appearance was made by Warrenton Volunteer Fire Company.

About Fauquier Health

Fauquier Health is a community health system dedicated to high-quality, patient-centered care in a unique environment that considers the multiple facets of healing and respects the individuality of each and every patient. Located at 500 Hospital Drive in Warrenton, Virginia, Fauquier Health serves the residents of Fauquier and several surrounding counties. It comprises Fauquier Hospital, a fully-accredited, 97-bed hospital; Fauquier Health Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, a 113-bed long-term care and rehabilitation facility; the Villa at Suffield Meadows, an assisted living facility; the Wound Health Center and a medically supervised Wellness Center offering health and wellness programs. Fauquier Health also operates nine physician’s offices, including primary care and specialties. More information on Fauquier Health is available online at FauquierHealth.org or by calling 540.316.5000.