STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. —She knows how to “live, love and laugh” and to this day enjoys social engagements, especially when they involve her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Meet Augusta (Gussie) Modica Catti. who celebrated her 102nd birthday Nov. 24. The “birthday girl” couldn’t be more ecstatic over her magnificent milestone.
Augusta Catti celebrates her 102nd birthday. (Courtesy/Catti family)Staten Island Advance
The centenarian — plus two — who was born in 1921, is one of nine children born to Onofrio and Marietta Modica, who immigrated from Sicily around 1900.
For 70 years the couple owned Modica Bakery on 17th Avenue and 80th Street in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn where Gussie worked during most of her adults years.
And residents of the area still recall with fondness the popular business and its homemade sweet treats.
GUSSIE MARRIES
Gussie met and married Adolf during the early 1940s and together they raised three children.
Augusta Catti and her husband Adolph during their younger years. (Courtesy/Catti family)Staten Island Advance
In 1980 the Cattis crossed the Verrazzano-Narrows and relocated to Annadale.
Augusta Catti (Courtesy/Catti family)Staten Island Advance
Adoph passed away in 1998.
A NEW LIFE AT ISLAND SHORES
Gussie relocated to Island Shores, the Midland Beach assisted living facility that she called home since 2015 and where she celebrated her birthday year after year with friends and staffers, who kept her busy with fun daily activities like parties and card games.
Since Island Shores is now home to migrants, Gussie now resides at Seaview Hospital Rehabilitation Center & Home.
But the birthday celebrant still spends time with her children, Mary and husband Bill of Annadale, son Armand of Trumble, Conn., and son Noel and wife Michele of Asbury, N.J. Her life’s pleasure has been raising her children and watching her grandkids grow and have children of their own.
”She’s enjoyed the summer pool parties, birthdays, and holidays with…
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