‘I wanted to say hello before I said goodbye’

86-year-old Sadie Cantone hosts her own ‘Celebration of Life’ party

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Monica Village resident Sadie Cantone, 86, decided that she didn’t want to wait until she died to gather all of her family and friends for a celebration of her life. She said she didn’t want to miss the party! So she held a Celebration of Life party at Pompei Restaurant in West Hempstead, with her family and friends in attendance.

Why the party? “I wanted to say ‘hello’ before I said ‘goodbye,” she said. “I told my children, ‘When I die, you’ll see me, but I won’t see you.’ If there’s a party, I want to be there!”

Sadie Forgione grew up in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, but her parents were born in Italy. She met Jerry Cantone at a dance at Sunnyside Gardens, Queens, and they were married on Oct. 1, 1955 (Jerry died on Sept. 2, 2001 — his 72nd birthday.) They were married for 45 years. “We went to Poconos on our first honeymoon,” she said. “We renewed our vows for our 25th and 50th anniversaries, and we had a party on 45th anniversary. He died two years later.”

The couple bought a home in Valley Stream in 1964, and Sadie sold it three years ago and moved to Monica Village. She was a 4H leader and very active in the community — and was featured in the Herald more than once.

“My mother has lived a very full life, mostly because she wanted to, and she embraces people and values new experiences,” said her daughter, Theresa Daube, of East Rockaway. “I feel very proud to be her daughter — there are three of us daughters and one brother — and yes, the sisters are all strong women.”

At the party, Sadie has photos displayed around the room, and got on the microphone and told some old stories. Her 88-year old brother recited his own poetry. “It was priceless!” said her Daube.

What does Sadie attribute to her longevity and her love of life? “First,” she said, “I love the Lord, and I give everything to Jesus. I love people, and making new friends — make new friends, and keep the old ….one is silver, and one is gold!”

Sadie also said she likes eggplant and a can of beer now and then.