Resident turns 102 at Life Care Center of Rochester… with a horse

Rosie Day had no idea when she attended the Kentucky Derby in 1992 that she would celebrate her 102^nd birthday with a derby theme and a live horse!

Life Care Center of Rochester, Indiana, pulled the celebration together for Rosie on April 21, 2022, with the help of Diamond Equestrian out of Macy, Indiana. The organization brought a retired racing horse that guests could take pictures with and pet.

Associates provided Derby-themed snacks and drinks for party attendees, and some associates even took part in some “horse” races with pretend horses. The residents also made their own Derby-style hats for the occasion.

“The theme was perfect as Rosie attended the Kentucky Derby once and placed a small bet on a jockey named Pat Day, who won the race,” said Amber Basham, admissions and marketing director.

Rosie was born on April 22, 1920, in Macy. She married Bowyer “Si” Day, and they had five sons and one daughter. The family has grown to include 15 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Rosie was active in her younger years and loved going mushroom hunting with her daughter and dressing up as a clown to be in parades with her kids. She was also a member of the Fireman’s Auxiliary.

When she was asked why she has lived so long, Rosie shared, “I have a family that loves me, and we have a lot of fun and laughs together.”