Maria Sakalo turned 103 today but she’s not counting, she’s just happy to celebrate with her family who describe her as an “amazing, resilient and grateful” woman.
Juniper Riverslea resident Maria will celebrate her 103rd birthday with a special afternoon tea with staff and friends before heading to her daughter Alla’s place to celebrate with her family with bubbles and cake.
Born near Kyiv in Ukraine, Maria, her husband and son were able to escape the Soviet Union after World War II, immigrating to Australia in 1979.
After travelling by ship to Australia, where onboard she made it her mission to ensure the children onboard received food following her own experiences of starvation through the war.
Originally sent to a migrant camp in Cunderdin, she moved to Northam and gave birth to her daughter Alla before moving to East Fremantle and settling in Mt Lawley for most of her life.
Originally working in dentistry before the war, in Australia Maria devoted her life to raising her three children, and later being instrumental in helping raise her grandchildren. She even shares her birthday with granddaughter Melissa.
After living in Mt Lawley for most of her life, Maria was lucky enough to move just a few blocks over to Riverslea Residential Aged Care Home in Mt Lawley just three weeks shy of her 100th birthday.
“I’m settled and happy here, I like it here. I like mixing with people, having morning coffee, reading magazines,” Maria said. “Fish and chips on Friday is my favourite. Nice piece of fish, fresh cooked chips, that what I like.”
Maria has her favourite spot in the communal lounge at Riverslea, overlooking the Swan River.
Contact 
1300 313 000