ST. PAUL – A St. Paul centennial, Rose Petruk, commemorated her 104th birthday on May 15 at Sunnyside Manor.
Friends and members of the family gathered on May 16 for the celebration.
Sherry Petruk, one of Rose’s daughters-in-law, said Rose was born at a family homestead in 1921 at Lake Eliza in the County of St. Paul. She later married the late Mike Petruk and moved to Lac Bellevue where she resided until 2017, before moving to live at Sunnyside Manor.
Ronald Petruk, a son of Rose, said his parents “farmed all their life, from the time they got married until they retired,” which was when they were in their mid-60s.
Currently, Rose has six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Rose, while sharing some of her stories and experiences with Lakeland This Week, said she had a hard time when her husband passed away and she had to live alone. “But I had good children,” she said, smiling. “They helped me whenever I needed help,” and she continued living life the best way she could.
She even got a driver’s license when she was over 70 years old after one of her sons, Larry, told her to try driving. “I kind of enjoyed it,” she said.
After moving to Sunnyside, Rose said she found many friends there. “I’m very glad to be here because they sure look after us well.”
Her family also makes sure to look after her, including Yvonne Petruk, another one of Rose’s daughters-in-law, who helps with Rose’s medication and other necessities.
Asked if Rose had any advice to living a long life, she said, “Sleep well, eat well, and [have] good company.”
