A 48-year-old lawyer mourns the death of his 104-year-old girlfriend, ending a remarkable and publicized love story.
In an unusual relationship, 48-year-old lawyer Mart Soeson is mourning the loss of his beloved girlfriend, Elfriede Riit.
She recently passed away at the age of 104.
Their love story, spanning over a decade, has touched many hearts.
It has also sparked discussions about relationships with significant age differences.
Lawyer and 104-year-old girlfriend built love from friendship in 90s
Mart and Elfriede first met in 1996 when Mart came to Australia to study English.
Elfriede, who was the widow of Mart’s late grandfather, welcomed him into her home.
Initially, their relationship was built on friendship and mutual respect, but over time, it grew into something much deeper.
By January 2013, their bond had blossomed into a romantic relationship, despite their 56-year age difference.
Elfriede was a remarkable woman with a rich history.
She fled Europe after World War II and faced many challenges throughout her life.
The couple shared many special moments together, including celebrating Elfriede’s 100th birthday and enjoying outings to concerts and cafes.
Mart often visited her at the nursing home where she lived in her later years, bringing her favorite treats and spending time together.
48-year-old lawyer grieves after his 104-year-old girlfriend passes away
Tragically, Elfriede struggled with health issues, including Alzheimer’s disease and other ailments.
Her passing has left Mart heartbroken. He remembers her as a loving partner who brought joy into his life.
In the days leading up to her death, Elfriede said goodbye to Mart in a poignant moment, crossing her hands on her chest.
She passed away peacefully in a nursing home in Sydney’s West on a recent Saturday afternoon.
After realizing her time had come, Ms. Riit bid farewell to Soeson in an emotional moment.
Her death marks the end of a love affair that had drawn considerable public attention.
“Yes, I know we have the age gap,” Mr Soeson said. “And I know it’s an issue for some people.”
“But generally, the age gap is an issue in the case of an older woman and younger man.
It’s never an issue in case of an older man and young woman – but I’m not able to change that attitude,” he added.
“Elfriede was completely in love with me and I was feeling the same way about her,” Mr Soeson said.
Their age-gap love faces visa issues and tribunal hearings
The relationship became widely known when Soéon sought to remain in Australia on the basis of his partnership with Ms. Riit.
Despite the couple’s genuine bond, the Department of Home Affairs was skeptical.
Soeson faced a lengthy battle to prove the legitimacy of their relationship, including a three-hour grilling at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
He insisted that their relationship was genuine, affirming the emotional intimacy they shared, even if they had never been physically intimate.
However, his efforts were shattered as authorities rejected his permanent residency visa application in December 2018.
He then took the matter to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
During the tribunal hearings, Soeson revealed that he and Ms. Riit did not share a bedroom or engage in sexual intimacy.
Despite this, he argued that their emotional and spiritual connection was profound.
“I didn’t view her as my grandmother. I’ve never called her “grandmother”. There was no grandson-grandmother relationship,” the lawyer affirmed.
“My duty is to stand by her side and when the final day comes, to bury her and fulfill her last wishes,” he continued.