Giulia Celebrates 108
It’s hard to believe that Giulia Paini was born over 100 years ago but on Saturday (April 12th) this elegant long-time Hills resident celebrated her 108th birthday with a smile, lots of stories and great wit.
She chatted and laughed with friends and carers who came to wish her a happy birthday at a special morning tea.
When I asked her what the secret to a long and healthy life was, she said if she told me, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore!
Born in Montagna in northern Italy on April 12th, 1917 Giulia was the youngest of four children and lived in a 500-year-old house nestled amongst vineyards. Her family grew grapes and had animals.
Her earliest memories include eating an apple while looking out of an upstairs window in the family home and seeing it fall on the head of a visiting priest. While she was in kindergarten she squeezed her head through the fence surrounding the local church to see what was behind the wall and her head got stuck. She started singing and was eventually rescued by people who came to investigate where the singing was coming from.
Giulia has lots of stories to tell and has lots of willing listeners.
She was only a toddler when she first met her future husband Angelo who was 10 years older and a great friend of her older brother. At the age of 18 Angelo left their Italian village and migrated to Australia. For years afterwards Giulia would ask where Angelo was and when he would be coming back.
When Angelo did return to Italy 20 years later love blossomed. They married and decided to build a life together in Sydney. Giulia left Italy on 2nd February 1950, her father’s birthday, and never saw her father again.
The move was a big culture shock. She left a town with cobbled streets and no cars and arrived in a busy city with lots of cars but not many shoe shops. Her brothers would send her shoes and handbags from Milan.
She was an accomplished dressmaker and would make clothes for herself and family but also for other families to help with the finances.
Her son John was born in Australia and remembers the beautiful clothes his mother used to make. The last dress she made was for her own 100th birthday celebration. For her 108th celebration Giulia wore a silk blouse and skirt she had made years ago.
Her son John said: “ Mum was a perfectionist at whatever she did, dress making, gardening, cooking, cleaning, ironing and wouldn’t stand for less from anyone else.
“As a dress maker she made everything to measurement and never used a pattern.”
Even though Giulia wouldn’t tell me the secret of eating and living well, her carers, who obviously adore her said, raw egg yolk, good quality cheese and butter, olive oil and vinegar all feature highly in her diet. A glass of good quality red wine is also a must.
