Eleni Confos, who is the oldest Greek in Australia and the most senior Australian Castellorizian, has passed away peacefully at the age of 109.5 years, the Board of Directors of the Castellorizian Association of NSW announced on Sunday night.
“May her memory be eternal,” the Association wrote on Facebook.
In February last year, The Greek Herald spoke with Eleni’s daughter, Rose Adgemis, just a few days after her mum’s 109th birthday and she described her as “the matriarch of the family” and “good at anything she does.”
Life in Australia:
Eleni was born in 1912 on the Greek island of Castellorizo, to her parents Tsiko and Garifalya Galettis. She was one of eight siblings, all of whom have passed away.
In 1931, Eleni married George Confos in Castellorizo before they moved to Australia, where George already worked at a fish cafe with his brothers on William Street, Sydney.
Eleni had her first-born son shortly after in 1932, but Rose told The Greek Herald that Eleni still struggled with her life in Australia at the beginning.
READ MORE: 109-year-old Castellorizian, Eleni Confos, is the oldest Greek in Australia.
“For seven years she wouldn’t even open her glory box because she wanted to go back. But then she started to bring her siblings out and she knew that Australia was going to be her home and she hasn’t regretted it at all,” Rose said at the time.
Eleni’s life however, wasn’t without tragedy or hardship. She eventually had four children. Her son sadly died young at the age of 42, while two of her granddaughters both passed away at the age of nine.
It’s clear though that Eleni was still one tough cookie who credited her longevity to her Greek Orthodox religion, fasting and Greek Mediterranean diet.
Our thoughts are with Rose Adgemis and Eleni’s extended family during this difficult time.
Eleni credited her longevity to her Greek Orthodox faith and fasting. 
Eleni met with Archbishop Makarios of Australia and His Grace Bishop Emilianos.
