Good genes, good family, good friends and a good God.
Blanche Keating says these are the reasons she has been able to live not just such a long and full life, but to still be in good shape, both physically and mentally, as she approaches centenarian status.
Keating will celebrate her 100th birthday on Christmas day. Her family held a come and go tea for her in her home on Saturday afternoon. Many friends and family members dropped by to wish Keating well on the upcoming milestone.
It’s pretty remarkable that Keating is still living in her home. Few reach the 100th birthday milestone; even fewer are able to reach the mark while still living at home.
“I do a lot crossword puzzles and I do a lot of reading,” said Keating.
Keating was born and raised on a farm 13 kilometres southeast of Weyburn. The fifth of seven children, she noted her family didn’t have many of the amenities found in many homes, such as a phone, although they did have a vehicle.
“I remember going to school,” said Keating. “We walked some days, and rode in the sleigh in the winter with the horses. I remember cousins coming to play with us and stay with us.”
She went school at Little Rock School, a one-room schoolhouse about three kilometres from her home.
Growing up in the Weyburn area was a lot of fun, and she still has fond memories.
Keating came to Estevan in 1960 with her husband, Francis, and their 11 children, after she accepted a job teaching Grade 1 at St. John’s School. The family’s first year was spent living near the Estevan Airport, back when the airport was located south of the city.
“At the time, there was a boom in Estevan, and there were no houses open,” she said. “There weren’t places available.”
Keating has seen history repeat itself, with the lack of available housing in Estevan a few years ago during the most recent oil boom, but she thinks it was even tougher to find housing in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The following year, the Keating family purchased a home and moved into the city limits. She has been residing in the same home ever since.
When the Keating family purchased the house, it cost $6,500 to purchase, and interest amounted to a dollar a day. The down payment was $500.
“At that time, I was only making about $225 a month teaching,” said Keating.
Her husband, meanwhile, drove a truck and a taxi and other forms of transportation during his career.
“I’m extremely happy (to be living here),” she said. “I don’t intend to move until I have to. But then that’s God’s graces that I can still stay here. I still do all of my own cooking, but I have help with some of my stuff.”
The home has a beautiful front porch, where Keating spends much of her time on sunny days. Even when it is cool outside, the patio is an enjoyable place to spend time.
And it offers a spectacular view on those sunny days.
“With the view, I get all of the seasons,” said Keating. “I was very fortunate to be able to buy this house.”
It’s a close-knit neighbourhood as well, she said, and she has made many friends over the years.
Near her home, there is a park with benches. One was dedicated to Keating earlier this year, in honour of her 100th birthday, and another is in honour of a deceased granddaughter.
There has never been a temptation to leave Estevan, she said. The house has been good, and she and her husband had good employment. So they stayed, even after she retired in 1980.
“I did a lot of volunteer work (after retiring),” said Keating.
She dedicated her time to Pro-Life Estevan and Area, the Catholic Women’s League, the Estevan Retired Teachers Association and St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church’s parish council. She has remained active with the retired teachers, and still attends their meetings.
And she goes to the St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Adult Day Program, which offers healthcare and socializing.
Keating enjoyed travelling after she retired, since her family is spread throughout the country, and she also travelled to Europe on multiple occasions.
“I’ve gardened, quilted and ran,” said Keating.
Her daughter-in-law, Hanna Keating, noted that the soon-to-be centenarian makes a quilt for every new grandchild or great-grandchild, and a Christmas ornament for each baby’s first Christmas.
That has kept her busy over the years, since she has had 34 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren.
“Every one has got a baby quilt and a Christmas ornament,” Hanna Keating said with a laugh.
It’s a tradition that started with the first grandchild, and has continued. There have been some busy years, since she did nine in one year and eight in another. This year she made two.
But she’s not fussy or particular, and she has developed a nice routine for her crafts, so they don’t take too much time.
Keating said she was looking forward to the tea, and seeing so many of her friends, who were eager to wish her a happy 100th birthday.
