A Regal Celebration: Honoring a Century of Resilience and Grace
In the heart of New Orleans, a remarkable centenarian was feted with a grand celebration that paid tribute to her extraordinary life and enduring legacy. Catherine Burns Tremaine, the sole surviving founder of the renowned Ochsner Clinic, was the guest of honor at a lavish 100th birthday party that brought together a who's who of the city's elite, all gathered to honor this remarkable woman's remarkable journey.
Celebrating a Century of Exceptional Achievements
A Lifetime of Dedication and Service
Catherine Burns Tremaine's life has been a testament to resilience, service, and unwavering commitment to her community. As one of the five founding doctors of the Ochsner Clinic in 1942, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the healthcare landscape of New Orleans and beyond. Her father, Dr. Edgar Burns, was among the visionary physicians who established the clinic, and Catherine has carried on his legacy with unwavering dedication.Throughout her remarkable life, Catherine has been a pillar of the New Orleans community, lending her expertise and support to numerous charitable organizations and cultural institutions. Her deep roots in the city, combined with her tireless efforts to improve the lives of those around her, have earned her the admiration and respect of all who know her.
A Centennial Celebration Fit for Royalty
The 100th birthday celebration for Catherine Burns Tremaine was a grand affair, befitting the stature and significance of the guest of honor. Held at the prestigious New Orleans Museum of Art, the event was a meticulously planned affair that showcased the city's finest in terms of hospitality, entertainment, and culinary excellence.The invitation, scripted in gold on ivory-colored stock and adorned with a regal crest, set the tone for the evening's festivities. Guests were greeted with an insert featuring the number "100" surrounded by intricate gold filigree and topped with a fleur-de-lis, a nod to the city's French heritage.As guests arrived, they were treated to a stunning display of floral arrangements designed by Gene Luke of Ambrose Garden. The Great Hall was transformed into a breathtaking white wonderland, with French tulips, Casablanca lilies, orchids, peonies, roses, and delphinium creating a serene and elegant atmosphere.
Tributes and Accolades
The evening's program was filled with heartfelt tributes and accolades for the guest of honor. Catherine's son, Atwood Collins, and her grandsons, Porter Collins and Dwight Collins, took the stage to express their gratitude and admiration for their remarkable matriarch. They spoke of her unwavering spirit, her sharp intellect, and her enduring impact on their lives and the lives of countless others.Adding to the celebratory atmosphere were performances by pianist Dreux Montegut and opera singer Melissa Marshall, who delighted the audience with arias from the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire that Catherine had once performed during her time in New York. The Victory Swing Orchestra and the legendary Irma Thomas & The Professionals further entertained the guests, with Irma Thomas herself leading a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" in honor of the centenarian.
Culinary Delights and Esteemed Guests
The culinary offerings at the event were nothing short of extraordinary, with renowned chef John Folse and his team creating a veritable feast for the senses. Guests indulged in a selection of Osseta caviar, jumbo lump crabmeat, chilled soups, seafood and meat stations, blue corn grits, and seared foie gras, all prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail.The guest list was a who's who of New Orleans' elite, including luminaries such as Susan Taylor, Dr. Kurt Gitter and Alice Yellen, Dr. Joe and Wendy Dalovisio, David and Catherine Edwards, Dr. Julie A. Mermilliod, Dr. Philip Denoux, Anne and King Milling, Dr. and Mrs. Freddi Abi-Samra, Shirley Trusty Corey, Mr. and Mrs. Tony Chauveaux, Suzanne and Richard Whann, Ann and Gene Preaus, Dawn DeDeaux, Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Moulthrop, Dr. Linda McElveen, and numerous members of the Ochsner family.As the evening drew to a close, the guests were left with a profound sense of admiration and appreciation for Catherine Burns Tremaine, a true icon of the New Orleans community. Her unwavering spirit, her dedication to service, and her enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
