Albanian-born Letfije Memishi, last Thursday celebrated her 101st birthday at a party hosted by Benetas aged care service provider.
Mrs Memishi was born in the village of Ostrec and came to Australia in 1964.
She lost her husband Feta in 1946 after the turmoil of WWII and raised their three children, Sajat, Sherin and Mustafa with support from her close family.
She moved to Australia with her youngest son, Mustafa, and they initially lived in Footscray with her oldest son, Sajat, who had moved to Australia in 1960.
Mrs Memishi lives independently at her Altona Meadows home with her grandson, Rahman, and attends Benetas’ Bateman House day respite program in Williamstown six days a week.
She attributes her longevity to her beliefs, praying five times a day, healthy eating, always keeping busy and, most importantly, family love and care.
Benetas’ Mary Meilak described Mrs Memishi as an amazing lady with a real zest for life.
“Letfije gets involved in all we do here at Benetas Bateman House,” she said.
“She is very grateful for everything and always puts others before herself; I think that comes from being a great great-grandmother.”
Mrs Memishi is the proud grandmother of 14, great grandmother of 20 and great great-grandmother of nine.
