Toronto, July 23: Having lived through two World Wars, the Great Depression, 17 Canadian prime ministers and three bouts of COVID-19, Marie Rosa, now 110 years old, has witnessed more of Canada’s history than almost anyone alive today.
Now officially recognized as Canada’s oldest living person, the Toronto resident continues to inspire those around her with a simple philosophy that has guided her remarkable life: love everyone.
Born on September 17, 1915, Marie entered the world before Canadian women had won the right to vote. During the Second World War, she worked as both a seamstress and forewoman, contributing to Canada’s wartime efforts, while her teenage years were shaped by the hardships of the Great Depression.
Those difficult years taught lessons she would carry throughout her life.
According to her daughter, Cathie Sinisalo, Marie believed nothing should ever be wasted.
“She taught us not to waste a thing,” Cathie recalled. “You scraped the butter off the wrapper instead of throwing it away.”
Throughout more than a century of life, Marie has experienced tremendous joy alongside profound loss.
Earlier this year, her sister Virginia Del Brocco, who also lived at The Village of Humber Heights retirement residence in Toronto, passed away at the age of 103.
Despite the sadness that accompanies such longevity, Marie continues to find happiness in life’s simple pleasures.
Although she speaks only occasionally now, her family says her expressive eyes still reflect warmth, humour and appreciation for the people around her.
Her daughter fondly remembers her mother’s love of driving.
Family outings often began by dropping Marie’s husband at work before setting off to visit relatives throughout the city.
Another lifelong passion has been fashion.
While never extravagant, Marie always enjoyed dressing well and continues to take pride in her appearance.
On the day she was honoured as Canada’s oldest living person, she made sure to have her hair professionally styled before joining family, friends, fellow residents and community leaders for the celebration.
The ceremony also included the presentation of a ceremonial crown previously worn by Burdett “Burd” Sisler, who held the title of Canada’s oldest living person before his death earlier this year at age 110.
His son, Norm Sisler, noted that both centenarians shared similar values, particularly the importance of making the most of every resource and appreciating life’s blessings.
For Cathie, watching her mother gradually slow down has been emotionally difficult.
“I’m losing her a little bit at a time,” she said.
Yet she finds comfort knowing she has shared everything she wanted to tell her mother over the years.
Today, Marie’s family spans four generations, including her daughter, grandson Dave Sinisalo, and great-grandson Mason Sinisalo.
Dave says his grandmother has taught the family that love, kindness and close family relationships are life’s greatest treasures.
When asked about the secret behind her extraordinary longevity, Cathie offered an answer her mother has repeated throughout her life.
“She always tells people you’ve got to love everybody,” Cathie said. “Everybody is precious. You love everybody, and they love you.”
After 110 remarkable years, Marie Rosa’s life stands as a testament not only to longevity but also to resilience, compassion, gratitude and the enduring strength of family—qualities that continue to inspire Canadians across generations.