HOW THE OLDEST WOMAN IN DERVENTA CELEBRATED HER 102ND BIRTHDAY

Ljubica Gavrić from Osinja has celebrated her 102nd birthday, officially marking her as the oldest woman in Derventa. She also holds the distinction of being the oldest resident of the Gerontology Center, where she currently lives.

PHOTO: TV K3

Her milestone was celebrated in a warm and festive atmosphere — music, cake, gifts, heartfelt wishes, and many guests gathered in her honor. Surrounded by her loved ones, Grandma Ljubica enjoyed every moment of her special day.

Across more than a century of life, Ljubica has lived through countless events — years of hard work, dedication to her family, a life in agriculture and homemaking, creating handmade crafts, enduring life’s hardships, but also raising a large, loving family full of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, according to TVK3.

“She mostly worked in agriculture and took care of the household. She also completed sewing courses, and thanks to that skill, she managed to support our education for around twenty years. She was a forward-thinking woman. Out of four children — two sons and two daughters — she now has eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren,” said Milka Durmiš, Ljubica’s daughter.

Her descendants say that the family has always gathered around Grandma Ljubica. She passed on her love for heritage and folklore to her grandchildren.

“I was the favorite among the grandkids — maybe even a bit spoiled — so I have beautiful memories of my grandmother and late grandfather. Grandma always fulfilled my wishes, whether it was baking something sweet or sewing something just for me,” recalls Slađana Prijević, Ljubica’s granddaughter.

Entering her 103rd year, Ljubica Gavrić remains not only the oldest woman in Derventa but also one of the newest residents of the Gerontology Center, where she has been staying for the past few weeks.

“She is truly special,” say the staff at the Derventa Gerontology Center. Ljubica spends most of her time enjoying conversations with others.

“She told me she’d love to go for a coffee in town — she really has a youthful spirit,” shared psychologist Irena Teofilović.

Currently, around 95 people reside in the Derventa Gerontology Center, including two women over the age of 100 — and Grandma Ljubica proudly leads them with joy, strength, and wisdom.