BIOGRAPHY

Gertruda Górecka was born in Kębłowo, Poland, on 12 November 1911. She had at least three sisters: Helena, Anastrazja, and Marta. She spent most of her life in Poland, where she worked as a seamstress, sewing costumes for a local theater. She loved to play the harmonica, even into her centenarian years. In 2004, at the age of 91, she moved from the city of Szczecin to Windsor, Ontario, to live with her only daughter, Halina Rozalska, after hip surgery.

Despite surviving cancer at 77 and undergoing gallstone surgery at 94, she maintained remarkable health, taking no medications and boasting strong blood pressure even at 112. Her daughter attributed her longevity to a positive attitude and a life filled with smiles, noting that Górecka never complained, even during challenging times such as World War II and the Nazi occupation of Poland. Although dementia took a toll on her in her later years, leaving her non-verbal and wheelchair-bound, she remained strong and resilient.

Gertruda Górecka passed away in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on 25 June 2024, at the age of 112 years, 226 days.

RECOGNITION

On 18 April 2024, following the passing of 112-year-old Helen Doan, she became the oldest (known) living person in Canada, at the age of 112 years, 158 days.

Upon her passing, Hazel Skuce succeeded her as the nation’s oldest living person.

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Pani Gertruda – nietuzinkowa Jubilatka – 105 urodziny” – Przeglad.ca

* “One of Canada’s oldest: Windsor’s Gertruda Gorecka celebrates 112th birthday” – Windsor Star, 13 November 2023

GALLERY