It’s not everyday you get to celebrate a 100th birthday, let alone a 107th! Maria Farrugia is Malta’s oldest female citizen and a first-class seamstress in her heyday.
Celebrating her birthday
When Maria turned 100, her family celebrated in style and never imagined they would have nearly another decade of celebrations ahead of them. Seven years on, Maria is still very much alive and kicking. Her late mother also lived to be 100 years old – guess it’s all in the genes! Maria is still lucid, walks around a bit and recalls many memories of the past.
Parrocca Immakulata Kuncizzjoni Hamrun / Facebook
Her life and family
In her heyday, the 107-year-old used to sew clothing items for different people and one of her first ones was a jacket for a small boy, which she managed to sew on her own, without any training. What a woman! Maria also had the pleasure of receiving a papal blessing from Pope Francis - quite the birthday prezzie! Today, Carmen, Maria’s daughter, has been looking after her mother for 30 years, with the help of her son (and Maria's grandson) Stephen.
Her secret to a long and happy life
Maria happily revealed that the secret to living a long life is, “ask God to help you, and make the sign of the cross when you wake up and before you eat.” Everything else, she believes is in God’s hands.
Happy birthday, Maria!