Dolores Lutner has been named Pitt Meadows 2012 Citizen of the Year.

The feisty 80-year-old was chosen for the award which is presented every year to a person who has demonstrated a commitment to the community through volunteer work, community leadership, and active community involvement.

The award will be presented to Lutner this Sunday at the Pitt Meadows Day ceremony.

Lutner moved to B.C. from Saskatoon at age 14, and at age 18, she married her husband Arthur.

The Lutners moved to Maple Ridge in 1961 and raised their family.

Three daughters, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, with two more on the way, have kept her happy, she said.

"When I retired from my job as a nursing clerk at Ridge Meadows Hospital after 26 years, I really wanted to get into the community," explained Lutner.

She moved to Pitt Meadows in 1991, about six years after Arthur passed away, and still didn't know very many people, she said.

"I saw an article in the newspaper in about 1993, and they wanted volunteers for Pitt Meadows Day, so I went to the meeting. The first year, I served the salmon barbecue," Lutner recalled.

"I met so many nice people who have remained friends," she said.

Over the years, Lutner's volunteering interests have grown to include celebrations on Canada Day, Remembrance Day, Chinese New Year, Christmas, and her main focus now - Pitt Meadows Community Foundation.

"She's been a volunteer for more than 20 years in the community," said Pitt Meadows Mayor Deb Walters. "Whatever needs to be done, you'll find Dolores there- she's just an overall good citizen."

Neighbours Loraine and Bob Scott agree.

"We like everything about her. I've never seen her mad. She is always smiling," said Loraine.

"She's a great neighbour," added Bob.

smclaren@mrtimes.com