Josephine Nicosia, who is set to turn 100 on Feb 3. Submitted photo

Josephine Guarnieri Nicosia is known as a pillar of her family and will be celebrating her 100th birthday on Feb 3.

Nicosia is a lifelong Jamestown resident, working at Jamestown Community College for a long time along with being an active parishioner at St. James Church. Nicosia has had three kids, three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren with two more on the way. She still lives on her own, enjoying days at the senior center and casino.

Her great-granddaughter, Noelle Wilkie, said community-wise, besides spending a lot of time at the church, Nicosia also has two handicapped children and spent time volunteering with the Chautauqua Blind Association and Resource Center.

One of Nicosia’s favorite hobbies is bowling, and she participates in a league.

Wilkie said one of the things she finds inspiring about her great-grandmother is the story of her marriage.

“She married my great-grandfather when she was 19 years old,” Wilkie said. “Right before they got married he was drafted into the war and so she traveled to Washington State to marry him. I find this very inspiring because she was so young and traveled on her own.”

Wilkie said the two were married on May 8, 1943, and have had a long, loving marriage of 62 years.

Over the years, there have been a few words of wisdom that Nicosia has made sure to share with her family.

“She taught us all that patience and forgiveness goes a long way,” Wilkie said. “She also taught us the importance of family and to keep each other close.”

One of Wilkie’s favorite memories with Nicosia growing up was the annual Christmas Eve party, which Nicosia always hosted.

“Growing up, she would always host Christmas Eve and it would be decorated so nicely,” Wilkie said. “We would sing carols and the neighbors would come over. It’s one of our cherished memories because it was a big deal.”

Wilkie said the older adults would always go to midnight mass following the party.

Nicosia is also known as a great cook. Wilkie said Nicosia is “100% Italian” so she cooks all of the time.

Overall, Wilkie said the family just wants Nicosia to know how much she is loved.

“At this stage in her life since we all look up to her we want to show our appreciation,” Wilkie said. “She truly is a saint and an angel. She is always so giving to her family and always puts us first. We hope she likes the day and knows how much she is loved.”