Celebrating 104 Years

Game thrills birthday gal

Juniors' win makes her day

By Todd Saelhof

Calgary Sun

It's one thing to live to the ripe old age of 104, but quite another to get exactly what you want for such a milestone.

Margarete Paasuke was all smiles yesterday for more reasons than just celebrating her birthday with 83 close friends and family at The Manor Village Life Center.

"Mother is particularly happy because the Canadian junior hockey team won," Tom Paasuke said of his mom's wish fulfilled a night earlier by Canada's young stars.

"Oh yes... I was so delighted they beat those Russians," said the birthday gal.

Then came yesterday's celebration especially for Paasuke.

The seniors center's dining room was decorated, and her arrival met with song, a cake, a violinist and speeches.

"It is maybe too much for an old person like me," she said.

Paasuke is a native of Estonia and endured a difficult life that continued even after she immigrated to Montreal in 1948.

"I never dreamed I would live this long after all those unhappy days," said Paasuke, whose 62 year-old son believes caring for others kept her going all these years.

"First of all, I had to live for my sons because my husband died (in 1951) when they were eight and 10."

She also helped her relatives in Estonia when it belonged to the Soviet Union and bought her folks a farm to retire on.

Adhering to a daily regimen of walking at least 500 steps - despite her bad knees - has also helped her longevity.

These days, it's hockey - especially the Canadiens and Flames - that helps her keep going.

todd.saelhof@calgarysun.com

Alberta’s Estonian community congratulates Margarete Paasuke on the extra special occasion of her 104th birthday! We share in the joy and celebration of a long life, young at heart.