Mary Taschler of Palmerton recently celebrated her 85th birthday with a surprise birthday party Saturday, Aug. 11 at the Blue Ridge Country Club.

Born Aug. 11, 1927, Mary has lived her entire life in Palmerton, graduating from Palmerton High School and the Palmerton Hospital School of Nursing. She retired from a career as a registered nurse at Palmerton Hospital.Mary is an active member of St. Vladimir's Greek Catholic Church and has served as a leader of the pierogi lady effort for many years.Married for 54 years to the late Robert R. Taschler, Mary was joined in the birthday celebration by her children, Nancy (Taschler) Hencken of Sterling Va., Dave Taschler of Schnecksville, and Tom Taschler of Leesburg, Va.She has six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.Her birthday party included many of her family and friends and included the singing of "Happy Birthday" and the Ukrainian "Mnohya Lita" (We Wish you Many Happy Years).