From Blackburn to Bedford Heights, centenarian Irene has always had a passion for sewing

When Irene Mirtchin began working she stitched up a career in dressmaking which became a lifelong passion. 

Irene was born at home in West Melbourne in 1923, because her mother “didn’t believe in hospitals”. 

She had three older sisters; Doreen, Alma and Eleanor, with her oldest sister being 12 years her senior. 

When Irene was one year old the family moved to Kew. 

Her father was a tool maker but died at the age of 53 due to lung disease contracted while working in mines as a younger man. Irene was only 10 years old when her father passed away. 

“Mum was a very strong woman and coped very well after dad died. Things were tough for a single mother then,” she recalled. 

Irene met her husband Arthur when he was boarding across the road from her house and the pair began courting, before being engaged for three years and finally marrying at the Holy Trinity Church in Kew. 

"We were waiting for my sister Eleanor to return from nursing in the islands during the war - she was my bridesmaid,” Irene explained. 

The married couple moved all over Melbourne and even lived in Whyalla, SA for a time. 

They had three children; Peter, Jennifer and Helen and Irene stitched up a career in dressmaking which became a passion. 

“I worked for a private dressmaker - Teresa Mitman - dressing high society women. 

“I loved my work and went on to love dressmaking for the grandchildren, but now it takes me forever to just thread the needle! 

“My sewing machine has done many kilometres.” 

Irene said she has also enjoyed tapestry, knitting, sewing, china painting and crochet over the years and that she and Arthur liked to travel a lot. 

They spent four months overseas in 1981 and caravanned around Australia on and off for over 15 years. 

Irene and Arthur moved to Bedford Heights in 2007 from their home of 37 years in Blackburn - where Irene said there are now three new townhouses instead. 

The Bedford Heights community is perfect for Irene. 

“I love the people here at Bedford Heights,” she said. 

“I am very comfortable in my unit and I feel safe here.” 

Her pastimes nowadays include completing Sudoku puzzles, listening to Audiobooks and reading the latest newspaper. 

She has five grandchildren living in Queensland, New South Wales and London, as well as seven great grandchildren. 

And Irene’s advice for a long life? 

“Look after yourself, be happy and surround yourself with people you like.” 

To read about more of the celebrated centenarians in the Southern Cross Care Community, click here.