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About 200 people gathered Saturday night to celebrate a major milestone in Maria Cappuccia's long life: her 100th birthday. Italian was the language of choice at the St. Ann Club, as that is where the guest of honor was born Dec. 14, 1910.
Some of the guests came from Indiana. Her daughter Phyllis Cappuccia and her husband came from Italy. Local politicians proclaimed Maria Cappuccia Day in the city of Norwalk and the state of Connecticut, and Cappuccia was given a letter from President Obama.
Most of Cappuccia's life has been spent in Italy. She first came to America when she was 12, but returned to Italy with her father after her mother died. When she was 20, she married Antonio Cappuccia, and they went on the have eight children.
In April 1961, they moved to Norwalk, where Cappuccia worked for Trudy Toy Co. When she retired in 1979, she went back to Italy but returned to Norwalk after husband died.
Cappuccia lived on her own until she was 85 and has been living with her children since then. Currently, she lives with a daughter in Virginia. Mom and daughter drove up for the party.
She is a lifetime member of the St. Ann Club and a past member of the Sons of Italy. She has 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
The highlight of the party for Cappuccia seemed to be Sophie Benbarka, her 2-year-old great-granddaughter who moved in circles on the dance floor in front of her, occasionally coming up to hug her great-grandmother.
Meanwhile, Nick Cappuccia read some of the many telegrams she had received.
"Many congratulations, 100 years is a fabulous accomplishment," read one. "Today, at this great feast your eyes may rejoice because you have with you all of your children and family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. So much work and sacrifice with your husband, Antonio, but the result has been great because today you can enjoy the love around you."
Do you know anyone who has celebrated a century?
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