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
