Mineola Golden Age Club member Mary Guarino was born in Manhattan, and is of Italian descent. She met her husband, Frank, now deceased, at a dance in New York City about 75 years ago. Mary and Frank lived in Mineola for many years, first in a home on Woodnut Place, and later in a co-op on Clinton Avenue.
As Mary recalls, it was during the presidency of JFK that she took an exam to become a licensed practical nurse. At about age 23, she became a charge nurse at A. Holly Patterson Nursing Home. She was also busy raising a family of one girl and six boys.
She now has 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. One of her sons lives in Vermont, and the other surviving children live on Long Island. (Sadly, one son died a number of years ago.)
As a couple, Mary and husband Frank were very devoted to one another. They enjoyed dancing, and went on several cruises, one or two of them to the Caribbean. Frank worked for a plumbing supply house, while Mary took care of the daily needs of a large family. As Mary says, “The most wonderful things in my life were meeting Frank and having our seven children.”
Mary attends the Golden Age Club and enjoys the weekly art class, having created paintings for each of her children. One of her favorite activities is dressing up in costumes for the various holidays, programs and contests.
Mary joined the Club about 45 years ago and is now an honorary member. She is proud to have reached the age of 98. In recent years, she is accompanied by her aide, Fe, who is well-liked by members.
“Everyone is very friendly at the Golden Age Club, and I like to participate in all the activities,” Mary said.
