Melfort's Reitta Fennel turned 113 on Nov. 20. (Submitted photo/Carmen Irvine)

By Angie Rolheiser

Happy Birthday!

Saskatchewan’s oldest person turns 113 in Melfort

Nov 20, 2020 | 5:51 PM

Another birthday was celebrated by the oldest resident of Saskatchewan.

A parade and birthday party was held for Reitta Fennel of Melfort as she turned 113.

Fennel’s grandaughter-in-law Carmen Irvine told northeastNOW she was very surprised about the parade at her long term care home Parkland Place.

“She couldn’t believe there was a parade just for her but she was really happy to see everybody,” Irvine said.

Members of the Melfort RCMP, Fire Department and ambulance were part of the parade and Captain Rick Robins from the Salvation Army attended to sing to happy birthday to Fennel.

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A lunch and cake with just two of her family members followed the parade. With the restrictions in place at longterm care facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fennel spent part of the day on FaceTime with family who weren’t able to be part of the her special milestone.

“We made the most of the situation and she really enjoyed that,” Irvine said.

Fennel is fairly accustomed to having visitors and also going out whether it be to attend her church service at the Salvation Army or shopping which she still really enjoys.

“It has been a big change of lifestyle for her with being a very active person her whole life,” Irvine said. “It has made a difference in her life, she is quite lonely.”

According to Irvine, Fennel fatigues easily but is still fairly sharp and her mind is as clear as a bell.

“She remembers the Spanish Flu and I think that actually made it a little easier for her to accept this pandemic with the lockdowns and lack of visiting because she knows what it is all about,” Irvine said. “She remembers it and she actually lost some family members to that.”

The upside to the current pandemic is the technology advances that allow friends and family to stay connected when they can’t physically be together.

“She often says to count your blessings and that is what she certainly has done,” Irivine said. “She has been blessed with a good long life and you can still reach out and connect on social media and phone, so she would definitely encourage it.”

Irvine spoke on Fennel’s behalf post-celebration on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020 while Fennel was having a nap.

On her birthday last year, Fennel said she didn’t have a secret to a long life but has always ate well and never drank pop, coffee or tea.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser