18 | JUNE 27 • 2024
J
N
R
achel Fox, a Jewish
Senior Life (JSL) res-
ident for 10 years,
celebrated her 109th birthday
on June 11 at JSL
’s Fleischman
building surrounded by family,
friends, fellow residents and an
overflowing amount of love and
joy from the entire community.
Many local news stations
were on hand to cover the cele-
bration and interview Fox. Each
person speaking with Fox for
the first time had a similar take-
away: Age is just a number.
Born in Montreal in 1915,
Fox has moved multiple times
throughout her life, includ-
ing North and South Dakota,
Wisconsin and Minnesota. She
married her husband, Sidney, in
Minneapolis and then moved to
Detroit, settling in Plymouth to
raise her son, Michael. Fox also
has two grandchildren and four
great-grandchildren. Many fam-
ily members, including Michael
and her two granddaughters,
attended the celebration.
At JSL, Fox is known to
enthusiastically participate in
various activities, including
bingo, trivia, arts and crafts, and
karaoke. Her musical tastes lean
toward the classics with a spe-
cial fondness for Frank Sinatra.
Jurgita Atanaskovski, JSL
’s
Life Enrichment Director, spoke
fondly of Fox.
“Rachel embraces each
opportunity with eagerness and
has a thirst for knowledge. Her
curiosity and love for learning
are inspiring, and I think that’s
what she contributes most to
her fellow residents,
” she said.
“We’re fortunate to have Rachel
as a positive influence in our
community, sharing her wis-
dom and experiences through
captivating stories that offer all
of us a glimpse of history.
”
Longtime Jewish musician
Michael Krieger performed
various songs for Fox and all
in attendance. Krieger played
Sinatra classics such as “You
Make Me Feel So Young,
”
“Young at Heart” and “New
York, New York.
”
The entire lobby full of peo-
ple joined together in singing
happy birthday to Fox before
cake was served.
Fox cherishes time with her
loved ones above all, particular-
ly Michael, who comes to visit
his mother almost every day.
Michael, who is about to turn
81 years old, was candid about
what this celebration of his
OUR COMMUNITY
“BE KIND TO ALL
PEOPLE. GIVE
TO CHARITY.
AND TO BE
DECENT. THAT’S
WHAT LIFE IS
ALL ABOUT.”
— RACHEL FOX
109th Birthday!
Celebrates
JSL Resident Rachel Fox proves age is just a number.
DANNY SCHWARTZ SENIOR STAFF REPORTER
Rachel Fox celebrated her
109th birthday in style.
Rachel Fox blows out her birthday
candles with help from family members.
Rachel Fox with
son, Michael, and
granddaughters,
Fran Newman and
Carolyn Fox