104-Year-Old Rachel Ironside Celebrates Remarkable Milestone

A Saskatoon care home celebrated a remarkable milestone earlier this week as resident Rachel Ironside marked her 104th birthday. Ironside, born in 1921, has witnessed an extraordinary century of change and history. She humorously shared with CTV News, “I’m trying to tell everybody I’m 104 but they don’t believe me. That’s why I took out my birth certificate and carry it in my purse.”

Ironside’s journey began on a farm in Ontario, where she grew up without modern conveniences such as cars, electricity, or phones. “No telephones, no TV, no radios for many years,” she reminisced, highlighting her connection to a much simpler time. Those who know her attribute her longevity and vibrant spirit to her positive outlook on life. Her daughter, Joan Silbernagel, noted, “She’s kind. Warmth exudes from her.”

Silbernagel initially felt apprehensive about moving her mother to a care home but quickly found reassurance in Ironside’s words: “You know, Joan, I make friends wherever I go.” This statement highlighted Ironside’s adaptability and social nature, which have contributed to her happy life at Oliver Place, where she lives with a close friend.

Ironside shares a special bond with her friend Tillie Reach, with whom she enjoys watching Edmonton Oilers games. Reach described their immediate connection: “She was my neighbor, and we just clicked right away, with everything and we still do.”

When asked about the secret to her longevity, Ironside offered a surprising answer. “You’re going to laugh … it’s peanut butter,” she said with a smile. Her daily routine includes peanut butter and jelly on white, untoasted bread, a simple pleasure she swears by. Up until a few years ago, she even baked her own bread.

Celebrations for her birthday included a visit from her youngest brother, Terry Hyatt, who traveled from Ontario to honor the occasion. “She told me, you be here and so here we are,” Hyatt remarked, reflecting on the special bond they share. As the youngest of 14 siblings, he noted that Ironside is the second oldest, with many of their family members living well into their 90s.

Ironside’s family tree is extensive, featuring 17 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, and even two great-great-great-grandchildren. The celebration on March 4, 2024, brought together friends and family, showcasing the love and admiration that surrounds this remarkable woman.

As Rachel Ironside continues to inspire those around her, her story serves as a testament to resilience and the joys of life, even as the years go by.