Centenarian Mildred “Blondie” Siegel Celebrates 100 Years of Life

Mildred “Blondie” Siegel celebrated her 100th birthday on February 5, 2026, reflecting on her remarkable life and the blessings it has brought her. Living in her Lanigan, Saskatchewan home since 1979, Siegel attributes her longevity to a combination of faith and a busy lifestyle. “Sort of confused, wondering how I got here, but the good Lord’s been good to me,” she shared in a recent interview.

Despite facing health challenges, including two hip surgeries and the loss of vision in one eye, Siegel remains independent. She makes her own bed and prepares meals with help from her family, continuing to walk with a cane. Her sharp memory allows her to recall significant moments, such as joining the Lutheran Church on August 18, 1946.

Life on the Farm and Community Engagement

Siegel was born on February 5, 1926, in Weldon, Saskatchewan, as Mildred Lillian Richardson. During the Second World War, she served as a telephone operator, adopting the nickname “Blondie” to conceal her identity from servicemen. After moving to Lanigan in 1945, she married Herb Siegel on Halloween of the same year, and together they raised five daughters on their farm.

Siegel’s connection to her community has been profound. She has been actively involved in various roles, including singing in the church choir, serving on the church council, and helping establish the town’s first hospital auxiliary. Her dedication to community service earned her the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, presented by then-lieutenant-governor Linda Haverstock.

Reflecting on her active lifestyle, her daughter Bettyann Cox remarked, “I get exhausted doing that. I don’t know how she does it at 100.” Siegel’s passion for gardening and baking remains strong, with family members praising her culinary skills, particularly her apple pie and homemade buns.

The Importance of Family and Faith

Family is central to Siegel’s life, with four daughters and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren surrounding her. Daughter Beverly Pavelich expressed gratitude for their time together, noting, “Most of our friends do not have a parent still alive.” The family’s appreciation for their time together is evident as they celebrate milestones like Christmas and Mother’s Day.

In a testament to her resilience, Siegel shared how she coped with the loss of her vision. “Fortunately, we had a very good minister who had a good talk with me,” she recalled. His encouragement helped her focus on the positives, emphasizing her remaining abilities and memories.

Siegel’s centennial celebration is scheduled for February 7 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lanigan, where she plans to enjoy tea and good conversation with friends and family. She credits her longevity to the support of her loved ones, stating, “I would not have gotten here without the countless friends and family in my life.”

As she marks this significant milestone, Siegel’s story is a reminder of the power of resilience, community, and the simple joys of life.