ABOVE VIDEO:Palm Bay Resident Vertulie Giordani celebrated her 111th birthday with Mayor William Capote and family on Sunday.
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Family and friends of Vertulie Giordani helped her celebrate her 111th birthday on Sunday at her home in Northwest Palm Bay.
Mayor William Capote joined in the celebration as a special invited guest of the family.
The Haitian born mother of five moved to the United States in 1970 after retiring from a career in nursing.
She joined her daughter in Chicago and then later moved to Palm Bay to be with the rest of her children, the youngest of which is 75.
“She is a wonderful woman,” said her daughter Jaqueline Giordani-Riviere.
Jaqueline Giordani-Riviere
“She is the one who raised us properly, gave us a good education, and was very strict with us. The greatest thing she taught us was a deep and profound faith in our creator and humility. She taught us to serve others before we serve ourselves.”
“It is a blessing to all of us and an inspiration because we are following her steps closely,” added Giordani-Riviere about her mother’s 111th birthday.
Vertulie lost her sight in 1980 due to glaucoma, is partially deaf and has trouble walking. But her family says she is healthy and her mind is well.
She is able to have conversation, enjoys going to church and being around her family.
They all live within walking distance of the home Giordani shares with her daughter.
William Capote
“This is a great family. There’s so much love here,” said Mayor Capote.
“It speaks volumes about her as a mother. She gave her family everything and now they are giving back to her. It truly is an inspiration.”
Palm Bay Resident Vertulie Giordani celebrated her 111th birhday with Mayor William Capote and family on Sunday. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)Palm Bay Resident Vertulie Giordani celebrated her 111th birhday with Mayor William Capote and family on Sunday.
Mayor William Capote joined in the celebration as a special invited guest of the family.
