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Sarah Sperandei, at 104, continues to play the piano regularly.
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Although the long fingers on Sarah Sperandei's hands are weathered, they remain lithe on the piano's keys. Sarah, who started playing piano at 5, still plays to this day. At 104, she is still able to play songs from memory for the crowd at Oyster Bay Manor.
Christina Daly
Sarah, plays her favorite song of the day, "Darktown Strutters Ball"
Christina Daly
Sarah always loved playing for crowds. She is pleased when her playing makes others happy and if they sing along, well that's a bonus. Here she plays "Love is a Many Splendid Thing."
Christina Daly
Playing the piano for Sperandei is life personified, a gateway to pure joy.
Christina Daly
The centenarian, who has also been known as Sally and Sarina, entertains everyone at the manor, including herself, by playing the piano, which she does well.
Christina Daly
Sarah loves playing for her friends at the senior center. They sing and clap along with many of her favorite songs.
Christina Daly
She shows off her list of favorite songs to play.
Christina Daly
Sarah with her aide, Maureen Lee-Reid. Maureen said Sarah is feisty and stubborn and that she enjoys taking care of her.
Christina Daly
Sarah gives Pam a hug. Pam runs the Harbor House senior center where Sarah lives.
Christina Daly
Her kitchen is as colorful as her personality.
Christina Daly
Sarah kept letters from her brother who also traveled the world including these two from Japan and Switzerland. Although she was one of five children, she said they were all boring except her and her brother.
Christina Daly
Sarah kept letters from her brother who also traveled the world including these two from Japan and Switzerland.
Christina Daly
The piano room, where she played a Steinway baby grand piano up until she came to the Manor, was always her favorite room. An old metronome (which still works and lights up) sits atop the Steinway & Sons piano.
Christina Daly
The house is filled with music books and handwritten songs, which Sarah and her husband used to play together during their parties.
Christina Daly
The house is filled with music books and handwritten songs, which Sarah and her husband used to play together during their parties.
Christina Daly
"I've had a very wonderful life," she says, often. "I was always very happy. Music is a part of my life. I feel alive when I play the piano."
Christina Daly
Many photo albums were kept throughout the house. Photos from her wedding, 100th birthday party and past events from her family history.
Christina Daly
Many photo albums were kept throughout the house. Photos from her wedding, 100th birthday party and past events from her family history.
Christina Daly
Many photo albums were kept throughout the house. Photos from her wedding, 100th birthday party and past events from her family history.
Christina Daly
Many photo albums were kept throughout the house. Photos from her wedding, 100th birthday party and past events from her family history.
Christina Daly
Many photo albums were kept throughout the house. Photos from her wedding, 100th birthday party and past events from her family history.
Christina Daly
Sarah steps off a cruise ship after a trip to Greece.
Christina Daly
Many photo albums were kept throughout the house. Photos from her wedding, 100th birthday party and past events from her family history.
Christina Daly
Many photo albums were kept throughout the house. Photos from her wedding, 100th birthday party and past events from her family history.
Christina Daly
Mementos from her time in school. She graduated with the class of 1929 from Bedford Hills High School.
Christina Daly
Mementos from her time in school. She graduated with the class of 1929 from Bedford Hills High School.
Christina Daly
Mementos from her time in school. She graduated with the class of 1929 from Bedford Hills High School.
Christina Daly
Sarah's vanity looks the same as the day she left her house after Hurricane Sandy hit.
Christina Daly
Christina Daly
The house is filled with music books and handwritten songs, which Sarah and her husband used to play together during their parties.
Christina Daly
An old Transoceanic radio.
Christina Daly
"I've always felt sorry for anyone who didn't travel." Sarah's house and basement are full of mementos from her travels. These include a vase marked Cellini, Made in Italy 134/266, an ashtray from Tre Scalini Bar in Rome and a jar from Copeland Spode England entitled "Full Cry."
Christina Daly
Her house and basement are full of mementos from her travels. These include a vase marked Cellini, Made in Italy 134/266, an ashtray from Tre Scalini Bar in Rome and a jar from Copeland Spode England entitled "Full Cry."
Christina Daly
Her house and basement are full of mementos from her travels. These include a vase marked Cellini, Made in Italy 134/266, an ashtray from Tre Scalini Bar in Rome and a jar from Copeland Spode England entitled "Full Cry."
Christina Daly
Her house and basement are full of mementos from her travels. These include a vase marked Cellini, Made in Italy 134/266, an ashtray from Tre Scalini Bar in Rome and a jar from Copeland Spode England entitled "Full Cry."
Christina Daly
Her house and basement are full of mementos from her travels. These include a vase marked Cellini, Made in Italy 134/266, an ashtray from Tre Scalini Bar in Rome and a jar from Copeland Spode England entitled "Full Cry."
Christina Daly
Sarah Sperandei just turned 104. Living in Bayville for years, she moved to Oyster Bay Manor when Superstorm Sandy hit. Without electricity it was too cold for her to remain in her home, which saddened her, but only at first. Then Sperandei saw the piano in the common room. She knew there really was no reason to ever leave now.
Although the long fingers on Sperandei’s hands are weathered, they remain lithe on the piano’s keys. And she never complains of stiffness or arthritis. Playing the piano for Sperandei is life personified, a gateway to pure joy. She has no plans to ever quit.
“I always can do things from my head,” said Sperandei, demonstrating by quickly playing parts of several different songs without the assistance of sheet music. “I have a whole list of songs I can do from throughout the years.”
At the Manor, Sperandei often sings along as she plays, lost in the music, but sometimes she looks up at the other residents who have gathered to enjoy her performance. Continuing to play she encourages them to join in.
“I’ve had a very wonderful life,” she says, often. “I was always very happy. Music is a part of my life. I feel alive when I play the piano.”
That’s what life is about says Sarah. “I was born with a piano and I’m going to die with one. ”
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