Tarentaal retirement village resident Silvia Rijavec turned 90 on September 22 and enjoyed many a cuppa with friends who popped over during the day to wish her well.
She was born in a small village in Northern Italy to a family of five children and says she is blessed that two of her brothers are still alive.
Silvia married Antonio Rijavec in 1951. Soon after, the couple boarded a ship for a 21-day journey to South Africa, where they started a new life with their seven-month-old son, Andy.
“The beginning was tough; we had nothing and I did not speak English. Today I am fluent,” says Silvia.
The Rijavecs had another son and a daughter, who sadly died of bone cancer at the age of 38 in Canada.
“My awesome grandson Herbi loves me dearly, looks after me well and we are extremely close,” smiles the nonagenarian, who has lived at Tarentaal for over five years. “I love my new life and friends at Tarentaal. I am happy and peaceful here.”
A big bunch of flowers for 90-year-old Silvia Rijavec.
