A Sydney-based Castellorizian celebrated her 109th birthday, claiming for one more year the title of Australia’s oldest Hellene.
Eleni Confos (nee Galettis) migrated Down Under in 1931, the first of seven siblings. Being the family’s eldest daughter, she played a role in their upbringing but also helped them make their way to Australia after her.
A true matriarch, she has been a mother figure not only to her own children, but also her nieces and nephews, as they all lived in nearby streets in Kingsford.
Speaking to Neos Kosmos, her granddaughter Chris Walker who had hosted yiayia Eleni’s birthday party last year at her home, said yiayia’s life “hasn’t been easy or happy all the time as there were deaths in the family, losing children, grandchildren and other difficulties.”
But Ms Confos has managed to stay strong, leading a long life beloved by her family which includes even great great grandchildren.
Seven years ago, being whelcehair-bound she was taken to Rosebay nursing home where she could have 24-hour care.
She celebrated her 109th birthday there on Saturday, “in style”, as NSW Castellorizians wrote in a tribute post on their Facebook page.
Ms Confos is said to be the “oldest known” member not just from the Castellorizian clan, but the Greek Australian community as a whole.
She is also reportedly “the 10th oldest person in Australia”.
“When she turned 100 she got a letter from Queen Elizabeth and former prime minister Julia Gillard,” granddaughter Ms Walker said.
READ MORE: Greek Australians have second highest longevity in the world, says Dr Norman Swan
