Costa Mesa Celebrates 104th Birthday of WWII Veteran

News Summary

Costa Mesa celebrated the remarkable 104th birthday of Angie Nicargi, a WWII veteran known for her role as a Rosie the Riveter. The event at Coastal Heights Senior Living brought family and friends together to honor her legacy. Angie’s life reflects the dedication of women who contributed to the war effort, and her vibrant spirit continues to inspire those around her. As the oldest resident of Coastal Heights, Angie remains active and engaged in community life.

Costa Mesa celebrated the 104th birthday of Angie Nicargi, a World War II veteran renowned for her role as a Rosie the Riveter, on May 11, 2021. The event was held at Coastal Heights Senior Living, where she has been residing independently for nearly 16 years and is recognized as the oldest and longest-tenured resident.

Angie’s birthday celebration coincided with Mother’s Day, allowing family and friends to gather and honor her remarkable life journey. As a symbol of the contributions made by women during the war, Angie represents the many who stepped into workforce roles to support the nation during a time of crisis.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Italian immigrant parents and the youngest of six siblings, Angie is currently the sole surviving member of her family. In her youth, she married her childhood sweetheart, Bill Nicargi, who served heroically in the military and was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for his bravery in saving a pilot from a burning plane in North Africa.

While Bill was deployed overseas during World War II, Angie contributed to the war effort by working at a defense plant that manufactured airplane parts. After the conflict, the couple returned to Brooklyn, where they raised their three children, two of whom tragically passed away at a young age. Angie and Bill were married for 52 years, until his passing, after which she dedicated her time to volunteer work, including providing childcare at a convent and assisting in kitchen duties at a senior center.

In 2006, Angie made the significant decision to relocate to Southern California to live with her remaining son’s family in Huntington Beach. She expresses satisfaction with her move and appreciates the support her family provides. Angie now boasts a growing family that includes four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Heidi Peter, the activities director at Coastal Heights, described Angie as a vibrant “firecracker,” noting her lively spirit and positive outlook on life. Despite facing challenges, such as declining vision, Angie takes proactive steps to maintain her independence. She has participated in a training program at Helen Keller Services to develop adaptive techniques that allow her to live autonomously in her home, which she has organized for optimal efficiency.

Angie enjoys staying informed by utilizing Amazon’s Alexa for news updates and engages in healthy habits that contribute to her longevity and wellbeing. These include reciting the @Serenity prayer, listening to music from her favorite tenors, taking daily walks, and preparing her favorite Italian meals. Her positive attitude plays a significant role in her quality of life and resilience.

Angie Nicargi’s story is one of strength, endurance, and community spirit. Her life mirrors the tenacity and dedication exhibited by the women of her generation, making her 104th birthday yet another opportunity to celebrate not only her life but the contributions of all women who worked tirelessly to support their country during trying times.

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Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Woman Celebrates 104th Birthday
• Wikipedia: Rosie the Riveter
• Los Angeles Times: Veteran’s 104th Birthday Celebration
• Google Search: Angie Nicargi
• Los Angeles Times: Angie Nicargi’s Birthday Celebration
• Google Scholar: Women in World War II
• Los Angeles Times: Coastal Heights Senior Living Facility
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Women in World War II
• Los Angeles Times: Community Support for the Elderly
• Google News: Angie Nicargi