It's the last post for jetsetting card

Joy Thomas with the well-travelled card she bought in 1961 to send to her best friend in Canada. Picture / APN

A birthday card's 53-year journey has come to an end.

The birthday greeting has made its final trip between two close friends, after one died a week before her birthday this year.

The well-worn card, purchased in New Zealand in 1961, has crossed the world 106 times between the pair, helping cement their relationship throughout their lifetime.

The card was first posted by Masterton's Joy Thomas in February 1961 to her best friend Yvonne Sutherland back in Canada.

Mrs Thomas and husband Peter had moved to New Zealand with their four children to live a short time before. It has since been returned annually.

This year, however, the card arrived in Canada too late for Mrs Sutherland, as she died a week before her birthday.

The card has since made its final birthday greeting, back in Masterton.

Mrs Sutherland's son Randy posted the card for the last time from Canada to Mrs Thomas, who is celebrating her 88th birthday on June 26.

Inside was written the message: "The last lady standing gets to keep the card. So this is the final journey. Enjoy the memories."

The two had become good mates as young mothers in Canada. Four months after Mrs Thomas first posted it to her friend in Canada, the card was back in her Masterton mailbox - in the week of her own birthday.

"It had a note in it saying, 'I couldn't purchase anything better so here is your blooming happy birthday card back'. I laughed."

It started from there, she said.

"I never imagined it would go on this long ... It's just wonderful.

"She was my best friend. Was always there for me when I needed her just like I was there for her," Mrs Thomas said.

These days, the card has numerous notes attached - "we ran out of room to write on it".

It is torn and taped together and new card has been added along with the many messages shared between the two of them.

"It's beginning to look a bit like us, old and dilapidated," Mrs Thomas said. "I'm going to miss my friend."

- APN