Dora Houpis
Long-time Keilor resident Sylvia De Campo believes a mix of luck and good genes has seen her celebrate her 100th birthday on Monday 31 October.
Ms De Campo, who moved into neighbouring Embracia aged care facility, in North Road, in Avondale Heights, three years ago, said “a bit of luck” was one of the secrets to her long life.
“I have had a lot of operations, but I’ve survived,” she said.
Ms De Campo, who is a twin, said her family’s good genes also played a part.
“My father lived to 94 years old and my eldest brother to 98 years old,” she said.
Her twin sister lived to 88 years old.
Ms De Campo was married to her husband William for 30 years, but was widowed young when he died at the age of 51.
“But you have to go on,” she said.
Ms De Campo said she didn’t work outside the home after having her first child and a highlight of her life was having a family.
She has two children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren with one on the way.
Ms De Campo celebrated her milestone birthday with many things local including a party at the Keilor Sports Club on the weekend and a cake with her picture on top created by her favourite cafe, the Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse, in Keilor Village.
