The oldest Jew in Australia has died a few months after celebrating her 110th birthday.

Mary Rothstein, who was born in Russia, grew up in London and eventually moved to Melbourne, was a milliner who once made hats for royalty.

She marked her 110th birthday in March, although her birth certificate disappeared when her family fled the pogroms for the UK, meaning that she never knew the date for certain.

Ms Rothstein was thought to be the second oldest Jew in the world before her death. The oldest is believed to be New York's Evelyn Kozak, who is almost 112.

She is survived by a daughter, two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

As to the secret to her longevity? Her daughter said Mrs Rothstein "never drunk, never smoked and worked very hard".