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June 17
1890 - 18-day murder trial of Castaic's W.C. Chormicle and W.A. Gardner ends in acquittal [story]
William Chormicle


| Friday, Jul 9, 2021
Madeleine Westcott is surprised with an ice cream birthday cake for her 100th birthday in Stevenson Ranch on Wednesday, 070721. Dan Watson/The Signal

With a slice of ice cream cake and surrounded by family, Stevenson Ranch resident Madeleine Westcott celebrated her 100th birthday this week.

A lover of ice cream, singing and animals, Westcott was described by her family as a woman who would give the shirt off her back for anyone and everyone.

“It’s like her purpose in life was to just help,” Westcott’s grandson Byran Cunningham said. “She went out of her way to make everyone that was in her life feel important.”

Madeleine Westcott, center, sings Happy Birthday to herself surrounded by family from left, grandson Bryan Cunningham, his wife, Ellen, and great-grand children Taryn, 20, and Colin, (cq) 17, as they celebrate Madelein’s 100th birthday in Stevenson Ranch on Wednesday, 070721. Dan Watson/The Signal

Cunningham recalled his grandmother going all out for holidays, making sure the house was decorated and the food was top tier.

“She just always made everything extra special,” Cunningham added.

Westcott practically raised Cunningham, who called her the most important person in his life at a young age.

Madeleine Westcott hugs her grandson Bryan Cunningham. Courtesy

“It was her and I against the world,” he said. “I am the way I am today because of her.”

The family has had a rough year, first losing Westcott’s daughter, then her grandson, both of whom died in January, so celebrating such a big milestone for Westcott is special.

Westcott, who was surprised by the celebration, agreed, though she said she’s unsure of how she feels to be 100.

“I haven’t figured it out yet,” Westcott added, chuckling.

The milestone didn’t surprise her great-grandchildren, 20-year-old Taryn and 17-year-old Colin Cunningham, though, who said they had always known she’d live a long time.

“Me and my dad had a running joke that she was going to outlive everybody,” Taryn said, adding that they even nicknamed her “Frank the Tank.”

Madeleine Westcott, center, is surprised with a birthday cake by caregiver Dinah Pasco, right, grandson Bryan Cunningham, left, and great-grand daughter Taryn Cunningham, 20, as they celebrate Madelein’s 100th birthday in Stevenson Ranch on Wednesday, 070721. Dan Watson/The Signal

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SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Tuesday, Jun 17, 2025
Summer Recreational Swimming in the SCV
Recreational Swim is offered during the week and weekends at various Santa Clarita pools during the summer.
Monday, Jun 16, 2025
July 26: CRY America Launches Los Angeles Youth Chapter
Child Rights and You (CRY) America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every child’s right to education, healthcare, and protection from abuse and exploitation.
Monday, Jun 16, 2025
June 17: SCV Fourth of July Parade Registration Deadline Extended
The deadline for standard entries for the Santa Clarita Valley 2025 Fourth of July Parade registration has been extended to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 17.
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Castaic Aquatic Center Summer 2025
Recreational Swim is offered during the week and weekends at various Santa Clarita pools during the summer.
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Runners of all ages are invited to support the College of the Canyons cross country and track & field programs by participating in the 50th Annual Cross Country Summer Series sponsored by Fleet Feet on Thursday evenings from July 10 to Aug. 14.
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William Chormicle
Take a Sunset Stroll at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center in Agua Dulce.
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The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will vote Tuesday on a motion introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger to defer and refund costly County permit fees for survivors of the devastating Eaton and Palisades Fires that struck in January 2025.
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Child Rights and You (CRY) America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every child’s right to education, healthcare, and protection from abuse and exploitation.
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Join the Santa Clarita Valley Concert Band on Saturday, June 28 at 5 p.m. for its "Stars and Stripes" concert.
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The deadline for standard entries for the Santa Clarita Valley 2025 Fourth of July Parade registration has been extended to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 17.
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SCVNews.com