104-Year-Old Rachel Ironside Celebrates Milestone Birthday in Saskatoon

URGENT UPDATE: A remarkable celebration took place in Saskatoon earlier this week as Rachel Ironside marked her 104th birthday, a milestone few achieve. Residents at her care home, Oliver Place, gathered to honor a woman who has lived through an extraordinary century of change.

“I’m trying to tell everybody I’m 104 but they don’t believe me,” Ironside shared with a laugh, adding that she carries her birth certificate in her purse to prove her age. Born in 1921 on a farm in Ontario, she reminisced about a childhood without modern conveniences: “No telephones, no TV, no radios for many years.” Her unique perspective on life has left a lasting impact on those around her.

Ironside’s daughter, Joan Silbernagel, expressed her initial concerns when moving her mother to the care home. However, those fears quickly dissipated when Ironside declared, “You know, Joan, I make friends wherever I go.” This positive spirit has helped her forge deep connections, including with fellow resident and friend Tillie Reach, with whom she shares a love for the Edmonton Oilers.

When asked about her secret to longevity, Ironside’s answer was surprising: “You’re going to laugh… it’s peanut butter.” She revealed that she starts every day with peanut butter and jelly on white bread, a ritual she has maintained even after she stopped baking her own bread a few years ago.

Family members traveled from afar to celebrate this momentous occasion. Her youngest brother, Terry Hyatt, made the trip from Ontario, stating, “She told me, you be here and so here we are.” Hyatt, the youngest of 14 siblings, highlighted the strong family genes, noting that most of their siblings reached their 90s.

Ironside’s legacy extends beyond her impressive age; she boasts a large family with 17 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, and even two great-great-great-grandchildren. Her birthday festivities continued with a second party on Monday, surrounded by friends and family who cherish her warmth and kindness.

This celebration serves as a reminder of the incredible lives lived across generations and the enduring connections that bind families together. As Ironside continues to inspire those around her, her story resonates with the importance of positivity and community in achieving a long and fulfilling life.

Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring milestone!