Neighbors in the news

99 and counting

Lynbrook resident celebrates birthday

Posted Thursday, March 13, 2014 10:46 am

Jenny Cardella, 99, center, celebrated her birthday at The Bristal with five generations of her family. She is holding great-great granddaughter Julianna.

Courtesy Gina McGuinness

Family members brought flowers and gifts for Jenny — the matricarch of the family.

Mary Malloy/Herald

Dominick Cardella talks with his mother, Jenny, about her history.

Mary Malloy/Herald

Jenny was 15 when she married Santo Cardella 85 years ago. He died in 1995.

Courtesy Gina McGuinness

By Mary Malloy

Jenny Cardella, of the Bristal in Lynbrook, recently celebrated her 99th birthday in style — with five generations of her family around her.

At a party held in the Bristal’s Bistro, Cardella welcomed friends and family who came, carrying flowers and gifts, to wish her well.

Jenny Caci, one of seven children, was born in Marion, Ill., but her family moved back to Sicily, Italy in 1915, when she was a year old, then back to America (Brooklyn) in 1946 after World War II.

She was a seamstress, working in the “sweat” industry, and loved to cook Italian dishes and pastries. She has nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and three great-great grand children.

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