Honouring a Lifetime of Love, Wisdom and Care
This Mother’s Day, Scalabrini Communities is proud to celebrate the hundreds of remarkable mothers who call our aged care communities home.
Across our homes in Sydney, Griffith, Adelaide and beyond, these women bring with them lives filled with love, courage, family, culture, faith and resilience. They have raised children, supported families, crossed oceans, built new lives, pursued passions and created legacies that continue to shape generations.
At Scalabrini, Mother’s Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is a meaningful opportunity to honour the women whose stories enrich our communities every day.
Nearly 500 years of wisdom, warmth and love
This year, we are shining a light on five extraordinary resident mothers, aged from 90 to 103, who together represent nearly 500 years of lived wisdom, strength and love.
Their stories remind us that ageing is not simply about the passing of time. It is about the life lived within that time; the families created, the traditions carried forward, the challenges overcome and the joy still found in everyday moments.
From Austria to Egypt, Italy to regional Queensland, each of these women has a unique story. Together, they reflect the heart of Scalabrini Communities: a place where culture, family, belonging and dignity are deeply valued.
Hélène Witz, 98 - House of St. Hilarion, Adelaide
At 98, Hélène Witz continues to live with grace, purpose and quiet energy.
Born in Vienna, Austria, Hélène is the oldest resident mother at Scalabrini’s Villa St. Hilarion community in Adelaide. Her European elegance shines through in the way she lives each day with care, creativity and connection.
Twice a week, Hélène attends The German Club, a cherished social ritual that keeps her connected to her heritage and community. At home, she enjoys intricate beadwork and daily walks through the village grounds.
Her story is a beautiful reminder that purposeful living, social connection and personal passions remain important at every age.
Mary, 102 - The Village by Scalabrini, Drummoyne
Mary’s life is one of faith, family, creativity and quiet strength.
Born in 1923 in Charters Towers, Queensland, Mary grew up on her family’s farm during a time shaped by land, labour and community. At 25, she moved to Brisbane to volunteer during World War II, where she met her future husband, Jim. The couple married in 1950 and built a life centred on love, family and service.
Mary is the proud mother of five children and grandmother of two. In later life, she discovered a passion for ceramics, studying at TAFE for four years before becoming a teacher herself.
Today, Mary continues to enjoy reading the newspaper, bus outings, bingo and painting. Her life reflects a deep sense of faith, warmth and joy.
One of Mary’s most moving legacies is the love and dedication she and Jim gave to their youngest daughter, Bernadette, who was born with Down syndrome. Through their encouragement and support, Bernadette learned to swim and went on to become a backstroke champion.
Mary’s story is a powerful example of motherhood as love in action.
Urania Cross, 90 - Scalabrini Chipping Norton
Urania Cross is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and joyful matriarch whose life spans continents, cultures and generations.
Born in Egypt with proud Greek heritage, Urania carried the warmth of the Mediterranean with her when she travelled by ship to Australia in 1958. That same year, she married and began a 60-year partnership with her late husband.
Today, Urania is the beloved mother of three children, grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of ten. Her family is the centrepiece of her life, and her love continues to ripple across three generations.
Music is one of Urania’s greatest joys. When a favourite song fills the room, she often comes alive dancing and singing with a spirit that reflects her vibrant personality.
Her story reminds us that joy, culture and connection continue to flourish through every stage of life.
Anna Vartuli, 103 - Scalabrini Austral
At 103, Anna Vartuli is one of Scalabrini’s oldest residents and a beautiful example of Italian-Australian family life across the generations.
Anna lives in the residential care home at Scalabrini Austral, while her son Michael is also part of the Scalabrini community, living right next door in the independent living village. It is a tender arrangement that keeps family beautifully close.
Anna is the heart of a family that spans generations. Her two children, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren gather around her, making her the beloved matriarch of a thriving family tree.
Her family shares a lovely message for Anna,
“To our matriarch we thank God everyday that we have you as our mum, mother in law, nonna and biz nonna – you have shown us love, gratitude and generosity! We love you always!”
Her story reminds us that belonging is often found in the simple, powerful gift of being close to the people we love.
Maria Bellato, 102 - Scalabrini Griffith
At 102, Maria Bellato’s life is a testament to courage, hard work, family and hope.
Born in northern Italy, Maria migrated to Australia in 1951 with her husband and two young children. The family settled in Yenda, near Griffith, where they purchased a market garden and built a life grounded in hard work, togetherness and community.
Today, Maria is the cornerstone of a family spanning four generations, including five grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Now living at Scalabrini Griffith, Maria continues to embrace life with positivity and grace. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful:
“Live happy, never look back.”
It is a message that beautifully captures the strength and spirit of a woman who has given so much to her family and community.
Creating a place where every story matters
At Scalabrini Communities, we believe every resident brings a lifetime of history, identity, culture and experience with them.
For many of the mothers in our care, family has been at the centre of their lives. But their stories are also about much more than motherhood. They are stories of migration, service, faith, food, creativity, resilience, humour, sacrifice and joy.
Our role is to honour those stories, listen deeply and create an environment where every person feels seen, valued and truly at home.
This Mother’s Day, we celebrate not only the mothers in our care, but the wisdom they continue to share, the families they have shaped and the communities they continue to enrich.
