Family gathered to celebrate Angie Nicargi's remarkable 104th birthday.
Costa Mesa recently celebrated the incredible milestone of Angie Nicargi, who turned 104 years old. Known as a ‘Rosie the Riveter’ during WWII, Angie has a rich history filled with unique experiences. Born in Brooklyn and the last of her siblings, she faced many challenges, including loss, but continued to live independently and positively impact her community. Her special birthday celebration coincided with Mother’s Day, honoring her legacy of strength and resilience, fully appreciated by her loving family.
Costa Mesa recently had a reason to throw a party, as beloved resident Angie Nicargi celebrated her remarkable 104th birthday. Known fondly as a Rosie the Riveter during World War II, Angie has truly led an inspiring life filled with rich experiences and cherished memories.
Born on May 11, 1921, in Brooklyn, New York, Angie is the daughter of Italian immigrants and is now the last surviving member of her six siblings. She married her childhood sweetheart, Bill Nicargi, during the tumultuous days of the war. Bill himself was no ordinary soldier; he was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for his bravery in saving a pilot from a burning plane while serving in North Africa.
With the world at war, Angie, just 21 at the time, joined the efforts at a defense plant where she worked tirelessly making vital airplane parts. This was an era when women stepped up in significant ways, becoming an integral part of the workforce, and Angie was certainly one of those fierce women.
After the war, Angie and Bill settled down in Brooklyn, where they raised a family. They had three children, but life threw its challenges their way, including the heartbreaking loss of one child as well as another passing during young adulthood. They shared 52 years of marriage before Bill’s passing, a bond solidified through both their joys and sorrows.
Despite the heavy grief, Angie did not let circumstances define her. After Bill’s passing, she continued to pour her heart into full-time volunteering, spending her time helping at a convent while also working in the kitchen of a senior center. In 2006, she took an important step toward a new life by moving to Southern California to be closer to her surviving son’s family in Huntington Beach. Angie has expressed that she has no regrets about this move and cherishes her time with her wonderful son and daughter-in-law, especially because she has no remaining family in New York.
Angie’s story doesn’t stop there, though. Now a proud grandmother of four and great-grandmother of five, she has been living independently in her apartment at Coastal Heights Senior Living for nearly 16 years. As the oldest and longest-tenured resident of Coastal Heights, Angie is a beacon of positivity and resilience in her community. The activities director at the facility describes her as a “firecracker” filled with zest and energy.
Life has presented Angie with challenges, including some vision loss. However, she has faced these challenges head-on, embracing new techniques through a daily living training program. She has developed adaptive skills that allow her to live independently while maintaining her home and life organization amidst changes.
Even at 104, Angie continues to show an incredible spirit. She misses playing bridge and tackling crossword puzzles, though she now enjoys listening to Amazon’s Alexa for the latest news. Her daily routine includes a blend of healthy habits such as reciting the Serenity prayer, taking walks in her apartment, keeping up with daily chores, and indulging in her favorite Italian dishes.
This year, Angie’s birthday celebration was extra special as it fell on Mother’s Day. Her family gathered to honor this amazing woman whose life has been a testament to strength, love, and the indomitable human spirit. Whether through her memories of supporting the war effort or her lifelong commitment to family and community, Angie Nicargi is more than just a birthday girl; she is a cherished icon of resilience and grace.
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