Centenarian’s Tip: Just Let It Go

NORTH WILDWOOD ─ In 1916, a girl came into the world. She entered at a time of great change for the United States as the world looked to Europe and its conflict between nations and the far-flung regions of its empires.
She also came at a time of hope, progress, and industry as the nation continued to advance into the early years of the 20th century: Rachmaninoff composed, Ford introduced car models, and medicine ensured hope of longer, healthier lives.
Pearl Dushkowich celebrated 100 years, having witnessed what many only read in history books. With a soft smile, Dushkowich greeted friends and well-wishers at her “surprise party” June 29 as family and North Wildwood Senior Center staff watched. 
Mayor Patrick Rosenello and Anne Vinci, wife of late Mayor Lewis Vinci, also “dropped by” to wish Dushkowich a happy birthday and to honor her as a long-time resident and lover of North Wildwood.
Dushkowich’s grandson, Scott Grimaldi, explained a possible reason for his grandmother’s longevity: Dushkowich “doesn’t hang on to it.”
The “it” Grimaldi referred to were problems and other setbacks in life. “She lets it go,” Grimaldi said. “I came from Los Angeles just for this.”
Steve Dushkowich, her son, gave a few personal details concerning his mother.
Pearl and his father, Albert, met when she was 19 in North Wildwood in 1934. “On 25th Avenue,” Pearl said with a smile.
Until Albert’s retirement in 1978, Pearl and her children came to North Wildwood for the summer season, leaving the heat of Philadelphia behind.
“My dad would come on weekends,” Dushkowich said. His father died in 2000, “Before 9-11,” Dushkowich added, saying he is thankful that his father did not see that tragic event.
Dushkowich said that his mother’s secret to long life is “simple living;” and center director Carolyn Eckert concurred. Eckert has known Dushkowich since 2006, and Dushkowich continues to foster friendships, a love of reading, sitting on her front porch, and playing bingo with friends at the North Wildwood Senior Center.
A century of change, family life, and quiet determination have been lived by Dushkowich, and, according to son Steve, plans are already being made for her 200th birthday celebration. “Her grandmother lived to 103,” said her son.
From 1916 to 2016, Pearl Dushkowich continues smiling, sharing her love of reading, and adding a thread of brilliant color to the tapestry of life in her North Wildwood home.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.