Leona Litke, a remarkable woman who has experienced the joys and challenges of a century lived, celebrated her 100th birthday on June 29.
As her family gathered to honour the momentous milestone in Crossfield, where Litke has lived for many decades, they reflected on her extraordinary life, filled with resilience, love, and a spirit of adventure.
Today, as Litke looks back on a century of treasured memories, her daughter-in-law, Elaine, affectionately recalls the many milestones and experiences that have shaped her remarkable journey. From Litke’s unwavering commitment to family and community to her love for travel and exploration, the centenarian’s indomitable spirit has left an indelible mark on all those who have had the privilege of knowing her.
“She is a hard worker, she is very honest, very upfront, very outspoken because she was a teacher for so many years,” Elaine Litke said. “She has been a good friend and I have a great deal of respect for her.”
Born in Hilda, Alta., Litke's early years were marked by a unique journey. Growing up on a farm, Litke learned the value of hard work and the rewards of having a close-knit community.
Despite the hardships, she found moments of joy in sleighing down the hills and playing games with her foster brother Boyd, forging unforgettable childhood memories.
Education played a pivotal role in Litke's life, leading her to become a passionate teacher. With her teaching certificate in hand, she left a lasting impact on generations of students.
Her commitment to education and continuous learning led her to pursue further studies at the University of Calgary, where she earned her teaching upgrade, enabling her to teach at various schools in the area, including Crossfield and the Fairview Hutterite colony.
Litke's life was forever changed when she met her husband, Leon Litke, during her time at boarding school. Their marriage in 1945 marked the beginning of a beautiful love story that lasted for over three decades. Together, they raised five children, creating a loving and vibrant family that brought immense joy to Litke's life in Crossfield.
Beyond her roles as a wife and mother, Litke embraced a spirit of adventure. Travelling became one of her passions, and she journeyed to various corners of the world, from Europe to the Pacific islands.
As the Litke family enjoys a week-long celebration to honour the legacy of a woman whose strength, resilience, and zest for life continue to inspire. Litke's story serves as a testament to the power of determination, the bonds of family, and the joy that comes from embracing life's adventures with open arms.
“We had a big birthday party on Sunday in Carstairs with 193 people there and family from as far away as California came. Lots of locals too,” Elaine Litke said. “We had a really good day with lots of visiting and lots of pictures, lots of stories and all her grandkids and great grandkids were home, except for two.”
