Hard work, lots of love and plenty of Italian food is Alessandrina Merlino’s secret to a long and happy life.
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Wagga’s newest centenarian celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family on Saturday night.
Her daughter-in-law, Nikki, said she was amazed at Mrs Merlino’s vitality.
“She’s a keen gardener, has a beautiful veggie garden and chooks and her house is immaculate,” she said.
“She still lives in her own home, cooks for herself and doesn’t want any help, although her son does cut the lawn and does some work around the house now.”
Mrs Merlino came to Wagga from Italy with her family in 1959, planning to stay a few years, earn some money and go back home. But she fell in love with the area and made it the family’s new home.