Reaching 100 years old is a remarkable accomplishment but sharing that same milestone with your lifelong partner by your side is a truly special feat.
Two centenarians born on opposite sides of the world who found love in Sydney’s inner west have celebrated their joint birthdays on Saturday.
Shirley and Leo Wesolowski reached 100 side by side, proving that true love really can last a lifetime or two.
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The pair married in 1952, both aged 26, and settled in Leichhardt, raising four children and watching their family bloom into grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“He fell in love and then, you know, he was always kind and gentle,” Shirley said.
Leo came to Australia as a displaced person after World War II, meeting Shirley and forming a life long bond.
“Even though they didn’t speak English, it was the language of love, I guess,” daughter Jeanette Wadkin said.
The couple now happily live at Uniting Aldersgate Residential Aged Care Home in Lilyfield.
“They still hold hands and kiss,” Wadkin added.
Generations flew in from across the world to be at the big birthday bash.
“I couldn’t miss this. This is the party of the century,” granddaughter Melissa Wadkin said.
Shirley revealed the secret to a long and happy marriage: “Just love each other and don’t abuse each other. Just look after each other.”
“They emanate kindness, warmth and happiness, and that’s something that I think we’ve tried to keep within our family,” Wadkin said.
Perhaps the greatest milestone of all – finding someone you still want to sit next to after 100 years.
