BIOGRAPHY

Jennie Sutherland was born in Reno Township, Pope County, Minnesota, USA, on 4 October 1906, to parents Peter G. Thompson (1875–1952) and Signe Mikkelsen (1869–1950). Her mother was born in Norway. The family moved several times between Montana and Minnesota before heading west again to Oregon. In 1920, they settled in Alberta, west of Barrhead.

Jennie married Will Sutherland on 18 June 1927. They made their home on a homestead in Summerdale, where they raised seven children: Leona, Lorne, Mae, Eileen, Elvie, Charles, and Jeanette. Another daughter, Marion, was born prematurely and sadly lived for only a day. During the Great Depression, times were tough, with prices at record lows. They made do by growing much of their own food and preserving it for the winter.

Jennie and Will retired from farming in 1952 and moved to town, where they dedicated many years to serving in the school and public library before retiring again in 1970. In their free time, they enjoyed horseback riding, camping, traveling, and spending time at their cabins on Thunder Lake. Jennie had a deep love for music—she enjoyed dancing, singing, and listening to her records and tapes.

She spent 20 years at Jubilee Lodge until the age of 105, when she required additional care and moved to Shepherd’s Care Home, where she spent the rest of her life.

At 110 years old, she had 26 grandchildren and a total of 129 direct descendants spanning five generations. By then, she had arthritis in both hands and was hard of hearing. Although she could still walk, she mostly used a wheelchair for stability.

Jennie Sutherland passed away in Barrhead, Alberta, Canada, on 15 March 2018.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* Jennie Irene (Thompson) Sutherland – WikiTree

* “Barrhead woman celebrates 110th birthday” – CBC News, 31 October 2016

* Jennie Sutherland Obituary – Westlock Funeral Home & Crematorium

GALLERY