Melton’s Angiola Gentile celebrated her 100th birthday with a glass of champagne and a piece of cake last Friday. More than 80 people were at the celebration at Sutton Park aged care. Mrs Gentile’s family says her strong work ethic and happy demeanour helped her reach the birthday milestone.
She lived in Foggia, Italy, for most of her life, migrating to Australia 12 years ago after her husband, Nicola, died. “She learnt a few English words, her mind is still very sharp,” son-in-law Gino Baglieri says.
“She likes to tell us what she dreams about.” Mrs Gentile is the mother of Antonia, Libara, Carmella, Vincenzo, Paolo and Pasquale. She has 17 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
She received letters from the Governor-General, Queen Elizabeth II, the Prime Minister and mayor of Cagnano Varano in Foggia.
