The title of the oldest living Italian immigrant in Regina is held by Matilde Fusco, as confirmed by her family. She resides in Regina and is set to celebrate her 100th birthday on March 19, 2024. Fusco, a centenarian who exudes vitality despite her age, expressed mixed feelings about reaching this significant milestone.
“I don’t feel like I’m 100. I feel young, but my body’s not young. My brain’s here, but not my body,” she shared days before her birthday. Fusco, a remarkable individual who still actively engages in baking and cooking, has never experienced a broken bone or undergone any surgical procedures.
Despite her vibrant spirit, Fusco experiences a sense of loneliness due to the absence of peers her age for companionship. Surrounded by cherished family photos, cozy crocheted blankets, and homemade biscotti, Fusco’s life story unfolds as that of a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Born in Cepagatti, Italy, on March 24, 1924, Fusco spent her early years on a farm in the province of Pescara. Her journey to Regina, Canada, began when her brothers Bartolomeo and Lorenzo migrated to work on the railway after their military service, eventually paving the way for her family’s relocation. Sponsored by Bartolomeo, Fusco, her husband Raf, and their two children made the voyage to Canada in 1963, seeking a better life and embracing the unknown.
Adjusting to a new language and culture presented challenges for Fusco upon her arrival in Regina. Despite the initial language barrier, she persevered, taking on a job as a short-order cook and immersing herself in various creative pursuits like crocheting, knitting, and sewing. Her dedication to her craft is evident in the traditional Italian blankets and tablecloths she meticulously crafted for her children’s weddings.
Fusco’s family’s contributions extended beyond their own household, as evidenced by the founding of the G. Marconi Canadian Italian Club in 1970 by her brothers and husband. This establishment, envisioned as a gathering place for the Italian community, has since flourished into a vibrant hub hosting numerous visitors annually.
While Fusco and her family embraced their new life on the Canadian Prairies, they remained connected to their roots, with Fusco revisiting Italy multiple times over the years. As she prepares to mark her centenary surrounded by loved ones from various parts of Canada, Fusco’s resilience, creativity, and unwavering ties to her heritage serve as a testament to a life well-lived.