Happy 100th Anne!
Jewish Care Victoria has joined Gary Smorgon House resident Anne Bernstein in celebrating her 100th birthday.
Anne cuts the cake
Anne’s family and friends including her younger sister Rose Zmood attended the celebrations, which included speeches, a concert and birthday cake.
Anne has been a resident with Jewish Care since 2001, when she moved to Montefiore Homes, with her brother and sister joining her soon after. Anne and her siblings moved to Gary Smorgon House when it opened in 2009.
“I feel very grateful for reaching this milestone, and thankful for my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and close friends that I’ve developed over the years. Most of all, I’m thankful to have witnessed the establishment of the State of Israel during my lifetime,” Anne said.
Anne is also grateful for the guidance provided by Rabbi Yosef Nerenberg at Gary Smorgon House – “I wish I met him early in my life.”
Jewish Care CEO, Bill Appleby described Anne as a popular resident and devoted synagogue member of Gary Smorgon House: “I believe Anne has occupied the front row seat in the ladies section in Shul every single Shabbat and Yom Tov since the Shul’s inception. “
Anne was born in London in 1916, the eldest of six children. As a teenager, she moved to Melbourne with her family, where they lived in North Carlton. Anne assisted with fundraising to build The Kadimah’s (Jewish Cultural Centre and National Library) first permanent home in Carlton, where she met her husband Morris Bernstein. They had one daughter together, and Anne now has four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
After a career in sales, Anne retired at 80 years old. Now, she enjoys playing rummy tiles and bingo with fellow residents and visitors; reading and attending Jewish-related activities held at Gary Smorgon House.
“Helping others and staying active is my secret to having a long life. I have always been too busy to get bored – I used to read a lot of books and be involved in a lot of things,” Anne explained.
Mr Appleby said: “Anne, on behalf of the whole Jewish Care team – staff and volunteers alike, I wish to say congratulations on reaching 100 today. I wish you love, laughter, health, joy and happiness for today and always.”
