By Michelle Fritz
Vincenza Colucci loves to watch hockey and the Buffalo Bills. Some of her favorite shows are “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy.” She is known for her sharp mind and great recipes.
By the way, she celebrated her 107th birthday this past Saturday and is believed to be the oldest living woman in Niagara County.
“I thank God that he still wants me to live,” Vincenza said during an interview Tuesday.
She celebrated her birthday surrounded by family and friends, including her five children, 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
One of 10 children, Vincenza was born in Sulmona, Italy, and came to Niagara Falls in 1928. Her daughter, Ann Colucci noted that her mother and father’s name, as well as her own and her brother Ettore’s name, were put on the wall at Ellis Island, where they came to the U.S. from Italy.
Daughter-in-law Kay Colucci described Vincenza as a very spiritual and devout woman who has made it to 107 as a result of her great inner strength and the good care and plentiful visits from her family.
According to family members, Vincenza is a traditional housewife and grandmother who is a great role model and an amazing cook. Up until this year, she has been cooking and baking regularly and continues to give her children instructions on how to cook some of her traditional recipes.
Even after taking two serious falls last year, Vincenza recovered quickly and continues to walk.
Vincenza pointed out that her life has been filled with many great memories and her birthday is also a special day for her because she was married on the same day.
She lives in Niagara Falls with her daughters Ann and Helen Colucci.
