By Kath Gannaway
FOR Winifred Halit, there could be no better way to celebrate her 100th birthday than to be surrounded by family – as she was.
Win celebrated her 100th birthday on 23 November, at ESTIA Aged Care in Yarra Junction with balloons, a beautiful cake, cards, flowers and an enormous amount of love and good wishes from fellow residents, staff and her adoring family.
For all but the last five years, and a brief stint as a toddler, Win lived in Millgrove all her life.
She was born in a house in Hooks Road, a twin, and one of Roger and Florence Lewis’ four children.
Tragically, her mum died of pneumonia when she was very young leading to her return to the valley.
She went to school in Millgrove, married Jack Halit and raised her family of two boys, John and Jeffery, and daughter Pat on the family farm.
Life was often a struggle for the family, but her loving, generous nature shone through in the good times and those difficult times.
“She had her three little kids and she loved us forever,” Pat said.
Italian immigrant, Frank Incani, now a Melbourne surgeon, was just a boy when his family came to live on the Halit farm.
He spoke with emotion of the impact Win had on his life, saying he was like another son.
He recalled offering one day to fix a broken trellis on the shed.
“I said to Mrs Halit, I think I can fix that and she encouraged me,” he said looking over at Win.
“She gave me some money, but that was not the reward.
“She praised me and from that small boy I became a mountain of a man that day.”
He said he remembered as a young woman, Win never pulled anyone down, but was always generous and kind with her praise of others.
There were always scones in the oven and Mr Incani said whatever food was there in the Halit home was there for everyone.
ESTIA’s Bronwyn Worburg and Brian Luckhurst said Win was a unique lady with a beautiful nature.
“She is just a beautiful lady, and always has been,” Bronwyn said.
Win was chuffed to receive a card from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, but the biggest smiles were reserved for her family who came from far and wide to be with her on her special day.
