Waddell receives 50-year DAR pin at reception

Comfort Wood Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution member Elizabeth Derigo Waddell, of Columbus and formerly of Eagle Lake, is honored for her 50-year membership at a reception Sunday, Jan. 13. Pictured with her are, from left, Lynn Forney Young of Houston, State Regent; Pat Blair of Wharton, registrar for the Comfort Wood Chapter; honoree Waddell; and Hazel Foltyn of El Campo, Regent of the Comfort Wood Chapter.

Elizabeth Derigo Waddell was the honoree at a reception celebrating her 50 years of service to the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and Comfort Wood Chapter on Sunday.

Her reception was held at River Oaks Health Care Center in Columbus.

The pineapple bell was rung and Comfort Wood Regent Hazel Foltyn welcomed family and friends present.

Foltyn explained how the Regent's Pin she wears was also worn by Elizabeth in 1972, 1973 and 1974 and Elizabeth's mother, Mrs. A. J. Derigo in 1959, 1960 and 1961.

The pin belongs to the chapter and is passed down to the next regent.

Betty Hill, chaplain led in prayer. Sue Carmichael led the pledge to the U.S. Flag.

Foltyn then introduced the State Regent Lynn Forney Young of Houston.

Young talked about DAR and praised Waddell for her dedication and love of God, home and country.

Together, Foltyn and Young presented Waddell with a certificate for her 50 years of membership signed by the President General Linda Calvin Gist, State Regent Young and Comfort Wood Regent Foltyn.

Young pinned a miniature insignia pin on her. It was a gift from her family for the occasion.

Pat Blair, registrar, recited the history of the Comfort Wood Chapter.

Friends and family told "Waddell stories," which were enjoyed by everyone.

Wadell remembered being Martha Washington as a child at a DAR meeting.

Waddell was also privileged to present her mother and her aunt their 50-year membership certificate at the same meeting.

Special guests were her son, Davis and wife Janie of Eagle Lake; granddaughter, Leslie of El Campo; daughter-in-law, Karen Waddell of Houston; sister, Dolores Reed; and nieces, Mary Ann Kainer and Liz Graves, all of El Campo; and cousin, Charles Davis of Eagle Lake.

The membership of the Comfort Wood Chapter was well represented.

The benediction was given by Hill. Punch, nuts and cookies were served during visitation.