Pulling off a surprise party for a person with dozens of friends and admirers isn’t easy.

But Langley locals succeeded March 13 when they jammed into Village Pizzeria to celebrate Cynthia Tilkin’s 80th birthday.

Tilkin is a longtime Langley resident, business woman and business booster.

She’s owned her woman’s clothing and home decor store, In the Country, since the early 1980s. Set in a charming vintage yellow and white cottage, the First Street store is known for both its picturesque exterior and distinct merchandise inside. Tilkin is known as a energetic go-getter and trend setter.

Tilkin’s store staff organized the celebration.

“Cynthia was utterly surprised,” said Sharen Heath, a neighbor on First Street who frequently shops at Tilkin’s store.

Tilkin’s love for Langley can be seen in many places, Heath said, beginning with the large hand-painted road sign on Highway 525 approaching Langley Road that points the way to the Village by the Sea.

“She’s a true lady, beloved by the community,” added Heath. “The dynamo is still going strong. I had no idea she was anywhere near 80. What is her secret?”