82-Year-Old Wilma Inspires Others Through Art, Faith and Resilience

"Some people wear their hearts on their sleeve." These words perfectly capture the essence of award-winning artist Wilma Plozza-Green, who chooses to display her heart on her walls. A visit to her cozy home in Footscray reveals a profound glimpse into what truly matters to her.

Walking through the elongated passage and entering her living area feels like stepping into an art gallery. Row after row, a splendid collection of artwork, meticulously crafted over the years by Wilma herself, adorns the walls. Among these artistic treasures, portraits and photographs of her beloved family members find their place.

As I survey her living space, my attention is immediately drawn to her latest project—an unfinished painting capturing the timeless beauty of her eldest daughter, former Labor MP Danielle Green.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Wilma's walls also bear witness to another profound facet of her life—her unwavering Catholic faith. Three crucifixes grace the wall above the television set, serving as constant reminders of her spiritual devotion.

When asked about her home, Wilma modestly states, "I love my home. It's wonderful to be surrounded by things that are important to me." Indeed, her home reflects not only her artistic endeavors but also her cherished values and deep-rooted passions.

However, maintaining such an environment can be challenging, as dust tends to gather on treasured possessions. Fortunately, Wilma benefits from the assistance of Uniting AgeWell's level two homecare package. This support ensures that her home remains as vibrant and polished as she desires, with help in domestic tasks and gardening.

"The cleaner is just lovely. We chat and laugh a lot," Wilma fondly remarks, grateful for the companionship and assistance.

In the midst of COVID-induced lockdowns, life for this vibrant 82-year-old has been reinvigorated, as she joyfully resumes her activities and embraces newfound freedom. Wilma continues to drive, attend art lessons, frequent the gym, enjoy walks with friends, support her beloved Essendon team, and relish moments with her daughters and grandchildren.

Though she battles diabetes and a heart condition, Wilma's indomitable spirit remains unyielding, bolstered by her triumphs over breast cancer on two occasions. Her determination to exercise regularly and prioritise her health serves as an inspiration to those around her.

Within her lounge, she diligently engages in workouts using specialised equipment designed to enhance her strength. Through a combination of a soup-and-exercise diet, she has impressively shed 22 kilograms over the past year.

Such accomplishments are not only physically transformative but also emblematic of her remarkable life journey. From her mischievous school days as a self-proclaimed "rat bag" to her ascent as a multi-award-winning artist, Wilma's story resonates with inspiration. Her impressive accolades include hosting prestigious art exhibitions, such as the one held at the Bundoora Homestead Gallery.

Reflecting on her early years, Wilma reminisces about growing up in rural Victoria as one of four sisters. Departing school at the age of 17, she humorously recalls her rebellious nature, confessing to hiding in cupboards to evade classes and surreptitiously snatching raisins from the canteen pantry.

Embarking on her journey into adulthood, she found work as a receptionist and eventually met Walter, an accountant whom she married. Settling in Mildura, they lovingly raised their four daughters.

Wilma's thirst for knowledge led her to complete her VCE, and at the age of 49, she enrolled at RMIT, pursuing her passion to become a youth worker. Her career path led her to work with young people in residential care, a role she found immensely fulfilling.

Tragedy struck when Walter passed away when Wilma was only

50. Devoting herself to raising their daughters, she found love again with Ron, an electrician. Tragically, Ron succumbed to asbestosis after just four years of marriage.

Throughout her life, Wilma embraced a bustling schedule. She dedicated herself to full-time work at the Olivia Newton John Centre, engaging in fundraising efforts until retiring at the age of 77. Her commitment to the role she adored made age seem irrelevant, defying societal expectations of retirement.

For the past 25 years, she has lent her voice to the choir at the University of the Third Age. Engaging in politics, she nurtures an enduring interest in the world around her.

Wilma takes great pride in her unwavering support for her daughters, celebrating their remarkable achievements. One daughter excels as a university lecturer proficient in six languages, another thrives as a council writer, and the youngest boasts a science degree.

Above all, Wilma treasures her adherence to her guiding principle: "to be kind." As she reflects on her life, she declares, "It's a good life." And indeed, her remarkable journey serves as a testament to a life well-lived, where passion, resilience, and kindness intertwine to create a legacy worth celebrating.

Click here to find out more about Uniting AgeWell