Sada Kiltau celebrates her 109 birthday!

By Joan Janzen

December 9th marked the day when Sada (nee Patterson) Kiltau was born in Luseland, Sask. precisely 109 years ago in 1914. The birthday gal now resides in the Western Senior Citizens Home in Leader, where a party was held in her honour on Saturday, November 11th.

Joining her were approximately thirty family members, including her sister-in-law, Ella Eichorn, who lives next door to Sada at the senior home. Ella will be celebrating her 103rd birthday in January. There were also a few residents and nursing/aide staff who joined a smiling Sada at her birthday celebration.

Sada Kiltau turned 109 on December 9th, 2023. A birthday celebration was held in her honour on Saturday, December 9th at the Western Senior Citizen’s Home in Leader, where she resides. SUBMITTED

On her official birthday, her daughter Laurie Schneider said they brought her favourite angel food cake, strawberries and ice cream. When Laurie told her mom about the party plans for Saturday when more family from a distance would attend, Sada smiled excitedly and said, “That many are coming?”

Thanks to the new hearing aids she received this past month, Sada was able to respond. “She hears almost everything, we think!” Laurie said. Her mom is still able to get around with a walker, which may be a result of her active lifestyle. This included hosting family gatherings for Christmas right up until she became a resident at the home at the age of 101.

Sada remembers stories she hears from the past, however, Laurie said, “Her memory is getting shorter, and we hear a lot of the same stories on each visit.” But at 109, I think we’d agree that she’s entitled to repeat herself.

“She still laughs and has a good sense of humour; we have to laugh at some of the things she says,” Laurie said. Her mom welcomes visitors, including her son Merl, who brings his small dog, which Sada loves to pet and feed cheezies.

“We’re so fortunate to have Mom and Auntie Ella living in Leader their entire lives and so close to family and friends,” Laurie said. “We’re very grateful for the nursing staff and care aides who look after them so well and make their retirement years so comfortable.”

Happy Birthday, Sada from all your friends and neighbours in Leader and area!