THUNDER BAY - Ann Waruk was born on Christmas Day in 1923. Ninety-two years later, she beams with excitement when she holds her great great granddaughter, Alia Minnella, in her arms.
Between Ann and Alia is five generations of women, who were all celebrating the milestone together on Sunday with family and friends.
“I feel very blessed to be part of five generations who are all alive and can be together at the same time,” said Sherry Minnella, Alia’s mother and Ann’s great granddaughter. “It is a gift that both my children get to be with their great great grandmother, to be held. In the end, it’s all about family and the memories you create and I’m just happy to be here today to celebrate this moment with my family.”
The five generations include Ann, who is known as the matriarch of the family, her daughter, Shirley Stankey, mother of Susan Buitenhuis, who’s daughter Sherry Minnella whose daughter, Alia was born in April, 2016.
Sherry said the family is actually rather small and they have all always lived in Thunder Bay.
The five women were honoured by acting mayor, Iain Angus, during a family gathering at the Airlane Hotel.
With so much life experience in one room, the family has no shortage of life lessons in which to draw.
“It’s so rare,” Sherry said. “I just think we’re really lucky. We pass down life lessons to each other but I’m sure there’s more to be learned.”
“She gives us good recommendations to just be happy in life and spend time with family,” Susan added.
Seeing Ann and Shirley holding their grandchildren is a wonderful sight for Susan and Sherry. But even more so, it’s an honour for the two women to see their family continue to grow.
“It’s an hounour for her [Ann],” Susan said. “She never thought that she would see that day and she is just soaking it in and loving every moment of it.”
“It’s amazing,” Sherry added. “They just love it. They love seeing the smile of their great grandchildren. Being able to hold them, it’s just so precious. Not many people get the opportunity to see their great great grandchildren.”
