Nativity parishioner prepares to celebrate 100 years

Church of the Nativity, Timonium, parishioner Benilde Sansone still maintains two passions as she prepares to turn 100 – faith and food.

The Lutherville resident, who was born Nov. 14 in Colelongo, Italy, enjoys watching the Food Network and continues to prepare homemade pasta sauce every week for her family.

“We call it ‘gourmet to go,’” said her granddaughter Paula Stoller.

“Nonna,” as she is known by her grandchildren, faithfully attends the noon Sunday Mass at Church of the Nativity, where she has been a parishioner for 35 years.

Mrs. Sansone came to Baltimore 60 years ago and has two daughters as well as three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She continues to read the newspaper daily and watches the evening news nightly. In her “free” time, Mrs. Sansone prays the rosary, does laundry and prepares dinner every night for anywhere from five to 15 people, according to her granddaughter.

Her family will honor the centenarian with a Nov. 16 party at Hayfields Country Club in Hunt Valley.

Catholic Review

The Catholic Review is the official publication of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.