Today, 7th March 2023, the oldest person currently living in Malta has turned 111!
Maria Farrugia, originally from Hamrun, was born over a decade ago, in 1912. That means she has lived long enough to see and survive two World Wars and the deadly covid pandemic!
Last year, when Maria turned 110, she was interviewed and photographed by ‘The People of Malta’ about the secrets of living such a long life.
L-ixjeħ persuna f’Malta illum tagħlaq 111 sena... AWGURI Maria! Sena ilu Maria Farrugia kienet tkellmet ma' The People...
Posted by The People of Malta on Monday, 6 March 2023
“Life is in God's hands. There are no secrets”, she revealed.
Living a long life however seems to run in the family as Maria’s mother also lived to see a 100!
Maria has seen a lot through her long life. One of her siblings died at 37 during the first air raids in Malta during World War II.
She was widowed in 1962 and had three children, two of whom have passed away.
“Maria is a positive person. She tries to be as independent as she possibly can. We have never heard her grumble or complain except when she is in real pain”, her daughter Carmen and grandson Stephen revealed.
“Her family is very dear to her. She will not sleep without saying the rosary. She loves going through old photographs and recalling what she went through and recounting anecdotes”, they continued.
Throughout her life, Maria had many jobs including that of a seamstress. She also crocheted, made blankets, and there was even a time where she used to go around with the family goat to sell milk.
“She lives day by day. If it was up to her, she would help everyone. But we are careful, it is understandable that we are cautious. But we do sometimes ask her to help us fold some clothes”.
What an incredible life Maria has led!