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One of Pickering Villages foremost figures, a woman who for many years was known for her work with the sick, and is presently quite active with the Senior Citizens and Rebecca Lodge. Rachael Irish, born in Orono, Ontario on October 22, 1882, was the fourth child of Jabez and Elizabeth Scott. She is the only girl in a family of nine. Being the only girl, she said, had its drawbacks, especially when the boys ganged up on her, which wasn't too often. One incident she told us about was on a stormy night when she asked her brothers to milk the cow she had given to her. The boys picked her up, carried her to the barn and left her there to milk the cow herself. She assured us it was quite cold returning to the house without her coat and hat. Mrs. Irish started helping the sick at the age of fifteen; at first she only went on a few calls with Dr. Warren of Whitby because she had to look after her mother, who was poorly. In those days the roads were not paved and they sometimes had trouble getting to their patients. In one case the Doctor said, "I don't know how far we will get but we will try." When the car got stuck they got out and walked the rest of the way with Dr. Warren leading and Rachael following in his tracks. Nothing stopped them from helping the sick. When she was older Dr. Warren said, "If you will work with me I will train you to be a nurse and teach you as much in a year as it would take you three years in a hospital." cont'd