'The fresh air': Supercentenarian shares secret on 107th birthday
Marking a milestone, Lakeshore resident Olga White celebrated her 107th birthday in style Wednesday.
The supercentenarian was the life of a party held at La Chaumiere Retirement Residence in Belle River, where she’s lived for seven years.
“We celebrate her birthday every year, but obviously this year is a little bit bigger than the rest,” said Linsay Derkatz, executive director of the retirement home.
Derkatz recalled the day White moved in – bringing her unique brand of sass and spunk with her.
“Olga’s like family to us,” she said. “She doesn’t have a lot of living family left, so we’re kind of all that she’s got.”
Lakeshore resident Olga White celebrated her 107th birthday on June 5, 2024. (Travis Fortnum/CTV News Windsor)
The same question arises anytime someone celebrates a birthday with that many candles on the cake: what’s the secret?
White said it’s about taking care of yourself – and taking time for yourself.
“Watch what you’re eating,” the 107-year-old said. “Are you working many hours?”
She also talked about making time each day for her favourite thing, “The fresh air!”
Born in Ukraine in 1917, White moved to Canada with her parents during the First World War.
Lakeshore resident Olga White celebrated her 107th birthday on June 5, 2024. (Travis Fortnum/CTV News Windsor)
As an only child, she learned the values of independence and resilience early on. Living on her own until she was 99.
In honor of her birthday, the retirement residence used social media to ask people to send White birthday cards.
They say more than 200 arrived by her special day.
Lakeshore’s Deputy Mayor Kirk Walstedt stopped by White’s party Wednesday, presenting her with a certificate honouring her decades of devotion to the community.
Lakeshore resident Olga White celebrated her 107th birthday on June 5, 2024. (Travis Fortnum/CTV News Windsor)
“We’re almost positive she's our oldest resident,” Walstedt said. “What a milestone. It's just amazing and she's good and fresh and sharp. We had to be here.”
La Chaumiere staff say White’s vibrancy and longevity inspire them – and her fellow residence.
Proving that sometimes, the secret to a long and happy life can be as simple as enjoying the fresh air.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING
BREAKING Trudeau promoting backbenchers in sizable cabinet shuffle coming Friday: sources
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a sizable cabinet shuffle on Friday, and it's shaping up to see several Liberal backbenchers promoted to ministerial posts, sources confirm to CTV News.
Prime minister's team blindsided by Freeland's resignation: source
The first time anyone in the senior ranks of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office got any indication Chrystia Freeland was about to resign from cabinet was just two hours before she made the announcement on social media, a senior government source tells CTV News.
'Tragic and sudden loss': Toronto police ID officer who died after suspected medical episode while on duty
A police officer who died after having a suspected medical episode on duty was executing a search warrant in connection with an ongoing robbery investigation in North York, Toronto police confirmed Thursday.
Ontario town seeks judicial review after being fined $15K for refusing to observe Pride Month
An Ontario community fined $15,000 for not celebrating Pride Month is asking a judge to review the decision.
The Royal Family unveils new Christmas cards with heartwarming family photos
The Royal Family is spreading holiday cheer with newly released Christmas cards.
EXCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE Trump's border czar calls border security talks with Canada 'positive,' but 'actions have to follow'
Amid a potential tariff threat that is one month away, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's border czar Tom Homan is calling talks with Canada over border security 'positive' but says he is still waiting to hear details.
Who received the longest jail terms in the Gisele Pelicot rape trial?
A French court found all 51 defendants guilty on Thursday in a mass rape case including Dominique Pelicot, who repeatedly drugged his then wife, Gisele, and allowed dozens of strangers into the family home to rape her.
Youth support worker found guilty of sexually assaulting B.C. boy in government care
A former youth support worker has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy in B.C. government care – an incident that followed months of secret hangouts and shirtless massages that were in clear violation of his employer's policies.
W5 Investigates
W5 Investigates Provinces look to Saskatchewan on how to collect millions more for victims of crime
A W5 investigation showed how convicted criminals ordered to pay restitution struggled to do so, and how just $7 million of more than $250 million had been claimed. While many provinces struggle to keep track, Saskatchewan is leading the way in making sure victims get their money.
Kitchener
-
One arrest, four suspects still wanted for armed robbery at Waterloo jewelry store
New details have been released about a smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in Waterloo.
-
Ontario launches review into pricey Italy trip by Catholic school board trustees
Ontario has appointed a reviewer to look into expenses at the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board after four trustees spent $45,000 on a trip to Italy to buy $100,000 worth of art.
-
Inquest rules Fergus man's death a homicide after he was shot by police
A jury has ruled that a Fergus man's death in 2021 was a homicide.
London
-
33 teaching positions to be eliminated by the Thames Valley District School Board
"It's precarious work.” Occasional teachers likely to be affected most by staffing cuts.
-
Community in mourning after boy struck by vehicle while getting off school bus dies
The Lambeth and area community is in mourning after learning a young boy passed away after being struck by a vehicle while getting off his school bus Monday afternoon.
-
College faculty across Ontario take step towards labour disruption in January
Students at Ontario colleges enter their winter break under a cloud of uncertainty after the union representing faculty members raised the stakes at the bargaining table.
Barrie
-
Man arrested after alleged road rage involving firearm on Hwy 11
Provincial police are investigating after an alleged road rage incident involving a firearm on Highway 11 in Oro-Medonte.
-
Man accused of human trafficking released from custody following new charges
Lauriston Maloney was released from custody on a $5,000 pledge following a special bail hearing in Barrie on Thursday.
-
Driver charged after fleeing police at high speeds in Orillia: OPP
One man is facing charges after a vehicle allegedly fled from police during an attempted traffic stop in Orillia on Wednesday morning.
Northern Ontario
-
Most properties in massive northern Ont. real estate insolvency sold
The 323 most profitable of 407 properties in northern Ontario owned by insolvent real estate companies have been sold.
-
Overflowing septic tanks lead to $46K in fines for trailer park owner in Chapleau, Ont.
Issues including failing and overflowing septic tanks led to fines and surcharges totalling more than $57,00 for the owner of a mobile home park in Chapleau.
-
North Bay woman accused of throwing coffee, spitting on victim
A woman who had been banned from a North Bay business is charged with assault with a weapon after allegedly returning and causing a scene.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Most properties in massive northern Ont. real estate insolvency sold
The 323 most profitable of 407 properties in northern Ontario owned by insolvent real estate companies have been sold.
-
Workforce survey highlights challenges faced by community, social services
The results of a survey about the challenges faced by community and social services conducted by Workforce Planning for Sudbury & Manitoulin are in.
-
'There's just no rhyme or reason': Sault gun shop owners frustrated by additions to gun ban
The federal government’s recent expansion of its gun buy-back program has frustrated firearm owners and sellers in the Sault Ste. Marie area.
Ottawa
-
Busiest travel days of the year at Ottawa airport this weekend
The Ottawa airport is reminding holiday passengers to be prepared and to plan in advance for the peak of the holiday travel rush this weekend.
-
What to know about getting packages shipped in time for Christmas
Canada Post is ramping up its operations following a month-long strike but there's no guarantee mail or packages will be delivered by Christmas because of the backlog.
-
Christmas shoppers prioritizing savings this year
The countdown is on for Christmas with the big day now less than a week away. It means that stores are busy with last-minute shoppers who are trying to get everything done.
Toronto
-
'Tragic and sudden loss': Toronto police ID officer who died after suspected medical episode while on duty
A police officer who died after having a suspected medical episode on duty was executing a search warrant in connection with an ongoing robbery investigation in North York, Toronto police confirmed Thursday.
-
Man, 34, dies in drive-by shooting in Scarborough Village
A 34-year-old man has died in an overnight drive-by shooting in Scarborough Village, police say.
-
Toronto under winter weather travel advisory, snow could affect Friday morning commute
A winter weather travel advisory is in effect for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), warning of heavy snow that could affect Friday morning’s commute.
Montreal
-
Quebec professor charged for stealing scholarship money intended for foreign students
Quebec anticorruption police have arrested a former university professor for allegedly defrauding and extorting foreign students.
-
Closure of West Island clinic threatens access to health care for thousands
Statcare Emergency Clinic in Pointe-Claire is facing closure, putting thousands of patients at risk of losing access to health care.
-
Longueuil community steps up to replenish shelves after massive meat theft at food bank
In mid-November, a Longueuil food bank was robbed of $10,000 worth of frozen meat, but the community pulled through an helped replenish the supplies.
Winnipeg
-
Birchwood Terrace tenant thrilled and anxious to move home
There is still a security fence around the Birchwood Terrace apartment building on Portage Avenue, but displaced tenants like Debby Ross can finally start going back.
-
Former Winnipeg teacher faces new charges involving underage girls
A former Winnipeg teacher who had been previously charged with voyeurism, sexual assault, and accessing child pornography is facing more charges related to a number of incidents throughout 2024.
-
Manitoba man wins $40M Lotto Max jackpot
A Manitoba man has won one of the top five largest lottery jackpots in Manitoba history.
Edmonton
-
Alberta's new pay model promises better conditions for doctors and patients
Premier Danielle Smith and Alberta's health minister are set to announce details on an updated pay model for family physicians Thursday afternoon.
-
Inmate dead after assault at the Edmonton Remand Centre: police
The Edmonton Police Service is investigating the death of an inmate at the Edmonton Remand Centre.
-
Cold and flu season not hitting as many Albertans as last year
Cold and flu season is in full swing, but cases of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19 appear to be down across the province compared to last year.
Calgary
-
Alberta government's Green Line report raises feasibility questions: Gondek
A report on the Alberta government's proposed alignment for Calgary's Green Line light-rail transit project raises questions about the feasibility of an above-ground track, says Mayor Jyoti Gondek.
-
Measles exposure possible in Calgary after lab-confirmed case: AHS
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a warning about multiple possible measles exposures around Calgary after a person with a confirmed case was out in public while infectious.
-
Cooking oil ignites, sparks residential fire in Calgary's northwest
A northwest Calgary home caught fire Thursday due to a kitchen fire that started with ignited cooking oil.
Regina
-
Appeal dismissed in Sask. 'thumbs up' emoji case
An appeal to a legal case that made international headlines has been dismissed by Saskatchewan's highest court.
-
Manslaughter charge laid in death on Little Black Bear First Nation
A 20-year-old woman is facing a manslaughter charge in relation to a suspicious death on Little Black Bear First Nation.
-
RPS add mobile drug testing unit in time for holidays
The Regina Police Service (RPS) has added a Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) to its capabilities – as the service works to crack down on impaired drivers.
Vancouver
-
Ousted B.C. NDP minister Selina Robinson releases tell-all book
Former B.C. NDP cabinet minister Selina Robinson recently released a self-published memoir titled “Truth be Told.”
-
'Lowlifes': B.C. family outraged over theft of outdoor Christmas decorations
Security footage from a home in Vancouver’s Kerrisdale neighbourhood clearly shows a man grabbing Christmas decorations from the front lawn, and then casually walking away with them.
-
'Unclear what's going to happen': Canadian officials monitoring U.S. avian flu outbreak
The first severe case of avian flu has been recorded in the United States and the state of California has now declared a state of emergency.
Vancouver Island
-
'Unclear what's going to happen': Canadian officials monitoring U.S. avian flu outbreak
The first severe case of avian flu has been recorded in the United States and the state of California has now declared a state of emergency.
-
B.C. police watchdog investigating death of Central Saanich officer
British Columbia's police oversight agency is investigating the death of a Central Saanich police sergeant who had been charged with sexual assault and breach of trust hours before he was found dead on Wednesday.
-
Youth support worker found guilty of sexually assaulting B.C. boy in government care
A former youth support worker has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy in B.C. government care – an incident that followed months of secret hangouts and shirtless massages that were in clear violation of his employer's policies.
Atlantic
-
Snowfall warnings issued ahead of Friday night nor'easter in Maritimes
A developing storm moving northward just off the U.S. eastern seaboard looks likely to bring a heavy early winter snowfall to much of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the southeastern corner of New Brunswick.
-
'Theodore Too' refloated after partial sinking in St. Catharines
The life-size replica of Theodore Tugboat, Theodore TOO, is upright again after suffering a partial sinking Tuesday.
-
Police investigate robberies in Halifax and Dartmouth, N.S.
Halifax Regional Police (HRP) are investigating a robbery at a gas station Wednesday night.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland man facing more charges related to youth sex crimes
A 64-year-old Newfoundland man charged with dozens of sex crimes involving young people is facing several new charges.
-
After fanfare of Churchill Falls deal, Newfoundland urged to learn its dam lessons
Energy observers in Newfoundland and Labrador are urging the provincial government to take a sober second look at a massive tentative deal announced last week with Quebec that promises to deliver hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue to the Atlantic province.
-
Backhoe used to tear the front off Newfoundland bank, four facing charges: RCMP
Four people in eastern Newfoundland are facing charges after a stolen backhoe was used to tear the front off the RBC bank in Holyrood.
