The week that Rosa Tominich was born, the world's first Surrealist art exhibition opened in Paris, Lon Chaney stunned movie audiences with The Phantom of the Opera, and archaeologists began the unwrapping of the mummy of Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun.
Rosa celebrated her 100th birthday on November 13, the latest milestone in a well-lived life that has taken her from Europe to Queensland.
The Carinity Wishart Gardens aged care resident was born Rosa Giambri in Frosinone, Italy in 1925.
Rosa's father worked in the courts while her mother was a dressmaker who managed the household and cared for their children. Rosa was the only girl amongst the four Giambri siblings.
Rosa came of age during the hardship of World War II. Her memories of that time include long walks to get bread for her family, sneaking fruit from neighbourhood trees, swimming with her brothers, and helping her mother mend clothes.
In 1947, at the age of 21, Rosa married Stelio Tominich in Trieste. The couple later embarked on a new chapter, moving to Australia by boat in 1954.
After spending two years in the Bonegilla immigration camp in regional Victoria, Rosa and Stelio settled in Sydney, where they raised two sons and built a life through hard work and dedication. Rosa proudly became an Australian citizen in 1960.
Rosa's working life was as diverse and industrious as her story: from making underwear at the Bond's factory and assembling nose pieces at a glasses manufacturer, to bartending at the Apia Club in Leichhardt.
She also spent time at a tobacco farm in Tenterfield, where she not only twisted tobacco leaves but prepared the workers' meals and did their laundry.
In 1980, Rosa and Stelio moved to the Gold Coast, where she lived until Stelio's passing. Rosa relocated to Bargara to be closer to family, then moved to Carinity Wishart Gardens last year to receive the care she needs.
Despite the heartache of losing her husband in 2009 and her youngest son eight years later, Rosa remains, in the words of her family, a "pillar of strength."
Her granddaughter Kristy Tominich, who works for Carinity Home Care, said Rosa's life was "one of constant motion, always driven by a sense of duty and deep care for others".
Rosa enjoyed spending time at the beach and shopping and is known for her deep love of animals, especially cats. Animal videos still light up Rosa's face with joy and laughter.
"One of her most memorable stories involves sneaking home a kitten under her shirt at the age of 80, much to her husband's dismay! That beloved cat, Poochie, was her companion for more than 16 years," Kristy said.
With six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Rosa is the proud matriarch of a growing family. Her favourite saying is: "Every day is a bonus; just keep on going".
"She's not only the eldest and only surviving sibling from her family, she continues to be a source of love, wisdom, and generosity," Kristy said.
Family and friends from as far away as Canberra, Gold Coast, Bundaberg and Gladstone helped Rosa celebrate her milestone birthday at Carinity Wishart Gardens.
