‘She’s the kindest’: Sask. senior nearing 98 still playing music

A Humboldt senior is still playing music with friends as she prepares to celebrate her 98th birthday later this month. Carla Shynkaruk has the story.

As Joan Jackson prepares to celebrate her 98th birthday on June 28, the Humboldt senior continues to do what she has loved for nearly her entire life — play music.

The sound of Jackson’s piano is a familiar one at her seniors’ residence, where she performs regularly with the home’s resident band.

Despite being visually impaired, she plays entirely from memory, relying on decades of experience and a lifelong passion for music.

“Being here has been a wonderful way to finish my life off. We’re having a great time, and they enjoy music too, so it’s been great,” Jackson told CTV News.

Music has been part of Jackson’s life for more than 90 years. She earned her Grade 12 piano certificate and spent years teaching students — a chapter of her life she still remembers fondly.

“Those were the best years of my life. I loved the kids,” she said.

Jackson moved into the Caleb residence in Humboldt four years ago and soon joined the in-house band, where fellow musicians say she quickly became an invaluable part of the group.

There were only about four members during the pandemic. After Joan arrived, it grew to ten because she helped with recruiting.

“She’s the strength beneath our group,” said band member Doraine Hayward. “She’s the powerhouse. She’s the high energy. And she brought a little bit of polish to our group.”

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

Most of the band’s members are in their 80s and 90s. At 75, Diane Connell is the youngest musician in the ensemble.

Connell describes Jackson as both a talented musician and a supportive friend.

“She’s the kindest, sweetest lady you could ever meet, not a mean bone in her body. She’s always so encouraging with all of us,” Connell said.

Although Jackson can no longer read sheet music, she says lessons from her father continue to guide her playing today.

“I remember him saying, ‘You have to listen to music. You have to listen,” she recalled.

That advice has stayed with her throughout a lifetime at the piano.

The band practices regularly and performs for about 70 residents each week, bringing music and companionship to the community they call home. She is also in two other local bands.

For Jackson, the joy of music is difficult to put into words.

“Everybody’s happy when there’s music,” she said.

And as she approaches her 98th birthday in a few weeks, she seems to have found the key to happiness.