Sask. Woman Oldest Living Canadian, Son Dies

Compiled from CBC News – A Saskatchewan woman now has the distinction of being the oldest known living Canadian.

Pearl Lutzko, who turns 112 on February 15, moved into the notable category. The title had belonged to Elizabeth Buhler of Winkler, Man., who passed away on January 23 – her elder by one week. Buhler was to have turned 112 on February 8, a Mennonite who was born in Ukraine in 1899.

Lutzko, born in Chortkiw, Ukraine in 1899, lives at the Ituna Pioneer Lodge about 150 kilometres northeast of Regina.

On January 25, part of her day was spent playing bingo with fellow residents of the lodge and nodding politely at inquisitive news reporters. While she wasn’t able to fully engage in a conversation, it was apparent that age was really just a number.
Her son, Nick, 94, spoke to several media outlets about his mother, whom he said he visited every day at the nursing home in Ituna. He said it was exciting that Pearl had reached 111 and would have another birthday on February 15. “It’s great to have your mother live that long,” he said. “You know, she was on her own until  ‘03 in her home. Then she moved here.” He added that he believed he was in good health himself. “I’m OK, I get along, I sleep good,” he said.
According to family members, Nick became ill January 26 at night and was taken to hospital in Yorkton. He died the next morning. The nature of his illness wasn’t disclosed. The oldest of Pearl Lutzko’s children, he leaves a large family, including his wife, his children and several brothers and sisters.
Pearl Lutzko’s family spans five generations and live in Ituna and area. Her granddaughter, Verna Adamiak, 68, runs a restaurant in Ituna and says everyone is proud of their matriarch.
Plans are underway for a notable 112th birthday celebration in February, for a life that spans three centuries.

PHOTO

Pearl Lutzko