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