Thursday, October 1, 2026
Valley Stream resident Grace Landisi is preparing to celebrate a milestone that few reach—her 100th birthday.
Born Sept. 6, 1925, in Maspeth, Queens, Landisi lived through a century of change while keeping family, tradition and joy at the center of her life.
She grew up in Queens in a large household with six brothers and a sister, raised by their parents. Those early years in a bustling family helped shape the values that have guided her throughout her life.
More than 47 years ago, Landisi and her husband, Tom, chose Valley Stream as their home, seeking a better life for their family in a place they had heard was welcoming and community oriented. The couple shared more than 70 years of marriage until Tom’s passing during the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago. Tom was also a soldier, a role that strengthened Landisi’s deep love for America and her enduring appreciation for the American flag.
Together, the couple raised four sons, Anthony, Joseph and Gerard, as well as Thomas, who passed.
“My children are my greatest accomplishment, my happiest memories, spending time with my family,” Landisi said. “One of the happiest memories is my son Joseph taking me and my whole family to Italy. It was a fabulous trip.”
Angela Ruisi, a close family friend who met Landisi through a friend who worked as her aide five years ago, said Landisi has become “like a grandma” to her and even reminds her of her own grandmother.
Ruisi has shared many special moments with her, from dog park outings to holiday traditions. Each year, the two bake Christmas cookies and decorate Easter eggs together. They have spent Halloweens dressing up in costumes, with Landisi taking turns as a punk rocker, a witch and even Barbie alongside Ruisi’s dog, Mocha.
Known for her fun-loving personality, Landisi enjoys music, dancing and laughter. She continues to play bingo and attend chair yoga twice a week, activities that highlight her energy and resilience.
“The secret is you gotta keep moving,” Ruisi said. “You can’t just sit there and melt away, because if you don’t keep them engaged, they’re just gonna lose everything. I do a lot with her and the secret to longevity is to enjoy life, have fun and smile. Music is good for the soul, and right now she’s listening to Shaboozey, her favorite song, “The Bar Song”.”
Looking ahead to her centennial, Landisi has expressed amazement at reaching such an age, describing it as something she “can’t believe.” For her family and friends, it is a milestone filled with gratitude.
“We are all excited and completely blessed,” Ruisi said.
A birthday celebration is planned for Sept. 6, with family and friends gathering to honor Landisi’s long life and the example she continues to set. The day is expected to highlight not only her years but also the legacy she has built through her stories, traditions and enduring presence in the lives of those around her.
Those close to her say that what has sustained Landisi through a century is her ability to enjoy herself and to laugh often.
As she approaches her 100th birthday, her family and friends reflect on the lasting mark she has left. Her stories about the past, her commitment to family and her love of celebration will continue to be shared and remembered.
