General News
8 April, 2026
Rose’s amazing life
FROM riding a Vespa to work as a young cook, to building her own home through years of careful saving, Rosina (Rose) Lalic has spent a century carving out a life defined by independence, faith and quiet strength.
Last month, the much-loved Innisfail resident celebrated her 100th birthday milestone with a joyful morning tea at Ozcare, surrounded by 40, which included family and long time friends Sheila Leotta and Joyce and Richard Hodgson. Guests enjoyed games, birthday cake and a nostalgic slideshow honouring her remarkable life.
Rosina Dell’Acqua was born on 27 March 1926 in East Innisfail and welcomed into the world by local nurse and midwife Devanny. She is the second youngest of her four sisters and is now the only surviving sibling.
Her parents, Giuseppe (Joe) and Nunzia (Nancy) Dell’Acqua, migrated from Sicily to Australia between 1915 and 1918, eventually settling on a farm on Mourilyan Harbour Road.
Rose completed her early schooling at Mourilyan State School, before attending Innisfail State High School for grades nine and 10. In the 1940s, she worked at the Danesi macaroni factory before moving to Brisbane, where she spent 12 years and worked as an usherette in a movie theatre.
Returning home in her 30s, Rose worked in sales at Willies department store, often called upon to interpret for Italian customers which she loved. Later, she took on a cooking role at the Innisfail General Hospital proudly commuting on her beloved Vespa motor scooter. Rose did not obtain her driver’s licence until her 40s, when she bought her first car.
When Rose worked at the Innisfail Hospital, she won second prize in a singing competition, for her rendition of the well-known song ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes’ made famous by The Platters.
Known for her exceptional cooking, Rose also enjoyed cards, indoor bowls and tennis. Through years of hard work and careful saving, she built her own home on Mourilyan Harbour Road in the 1980s, where she lived independently until the age of 96, before moving to Ozcare Innisfail.
Across her century of life, Rose has witnessed extraordinary change, from the arrival of electricity and cars to the introduction of decimal currency and the rapid evolution of technology.
A woman of deep faith, she remains an active and devoted church member throughout her life.
Rose is the proud mother of three children, Jeff, Chris and Maria, who describe her as the heart of their family, whose life has been inspirational to those around her.
Her daughter, Maria Bennett, said Rose’s life had been a guiding example to all who knew her. “Mum has always been a strong, hardworking and faith-filled woman who dedicated her life to her family and community. She has touched so many lives over the years and we are so proud to celebrate this wonderful milestone with her.”
Read More: Innisfail