Florence Sanmarco of Medina stays vibrant and celebrates 100th birthday

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Looking much younger than her 100 years, Florence Sanmarco stands by a birthday bouquet in her kitchen. Family friend Grace Kent of Albion made her the birthday crown on the counter.

MEDINA – Florence Sanmarco had one wish for her 100th birthday on Friday.

“I wanted to be home and hear from all my friends, and I got just the birthday I wanted,” she said.

Sanmarco counts her blessings to be celebrating her 100th birthday and enjoy excellent health.

Born in Medina Sept. 12, 1925, Sanmarco grew up in Middleport, daughter of parents who immigrated from Italy. The oldest of six, three siblings still survive.

She graduated from Middleport High School in 1943 and spent the next few years working at various jobs, including several years at Niagara Chemical Company (FMC).

“I left to get married, then went back in 1951,” she said.

Her first husband died after four years of marriage, and a second marriage to Danny Sanmarco lasted until his death in 2004.

(Left) Longtime family friend Karen Mannella, left, and Florence Sanmarco share a toast to Sanmarco’s 100th birthday on Friday. (Right) Florence Sanmarco and friend Sheila Doty hold a “100 and Fabulous” blanket Doty gave Sanmarco for her 100th birthday on Friday.

Sanmarco moved into Lakewood Village in 1985, where she continues to live on her own, doing her own cooking and cleaning, managing her own finances and occasionally driving her car short distances.

Her career included many years as a beautician.

“I’m very thankful for today – I don’t have an ache or a pain,” she said.

Her hearing is wonderful. She takes care of her flower gardens and loves to shop.

She often asks herself, “Why am I still here?”

Her only answer is she thinks she is meant to be an incentive to others, who may look at her and think, “I can do what Florence is doing.”

Sanmarco has seen many changes in 100 years, but she thinks the most amazing thing is probably the internet, although she doesn’t have a computer.

Friday, family friend Karen Mannella spent the day with her. They met when Mannella’s aunt and Sanmarco’s sister roomed together in the nursing home and they’ve been friends ever since. Mannella recently took Sanmarco shopping at Kohl’s and “she wore me out,” Mannella said.

When asked what she thought contributed to her longevity and good health, Sanmarco replied, “My faith. I pray a lot.”

Her Italian heritage and eating garlic might have helped, also, she added.