Born in 1921 in Kythera, the Vasiliki Gianniotis - by name, Bessie Konomou- recently celebrated her 100th birthday at the senior care community, Carinity Wishart Gardens where she has lived for the past five years. A woman who has tasted the cup of hospice since she was 7 years old, but never gave up. She married, had children, was honoured and awarded by her adopted country for her volunteerism and service and inspired younger generations to develop participatory action in the community.
This is her story.
Vasiliki Gianniotis, as her maiden name is, was born on the picturesque island of Kythera in 1921 and was the first and only girl in a family of six sisters.
At the age of seven she emigrated with her family to Australia and «Bessie», as she became known, spent most of her youth in rural New South Wales.
During her time living in Tullibigeal west of Parkes, Bessie met Theo Megaloconomos whom she later married.
«Mom fell in love with him immediately. But her mom thought he was too old. It was very common at the time. However, my mom won,» explains Bessie's daughter, Regina Hadgis.
«My mother's and my father's families were from the same island in Greece, but from different villages, so they knew each other.».
The couple had four children and settled in the small town of Carinda, two hours east of Bourke, where Theo opened a garage, a movie theater and an ice business, and served as a city councilman.
«They ended up having a very happy and fulfilling life in Carinda, participating in various clubs,» says Regina.
Bessie was actively involved not only in her own community but also in other towns in the region such as Walgett and Dubbo before the Konomo family moved to Mansfield, Brisbane in 1984.
There, she volunteered at Meals on Wheels and also at St Nicholas Nursing Home in Highgate Hill and Mount Gravatt Greek Orthodox Church.
Bessie loves to cook and her talent in the kitchen has helped raise money for many charities.
At the age of 87, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of her services to the Greek community in Brisbane, mainly through organisations that provide support to the elderly.
The award also recognized Bessie's contributions to the Carinda community, particularly as an active member of the local Women's Local Union and Bush Nursing Association.
«Mom always hoped that she would inspire young people to get involved in their communities. She loved to cook and was an avid knitter,» says Regina.
Bessie, who moved to Carinity Wishart Gardens in 2016, has now joined the Carinity 100 Club in which «century-old» inmates participate.
«She is lucky enough to have family visit her regularly, which always gives her great joy,» says Regina.
Relatives from Sydney, some of Bessie's four children, nine grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, gathered for her birthday party at Carinity Wishart Gardens.
