Now, she’s known as a centenarian.

Celebrations for Purpura’s 100th birthday began over the weekend, with a party put on by her family at the Ellery Town Park. Saturday’s birthday celebration was attended by more than 75 family and friends, some traveling from as far as Massachusetts and North Carolina to partake in the festivities.

“She taught us all the value of putting family first,” said Danielle Scapelitte LaMancuso about her 100-year-old grandmother. “She’s just an amazing woman.”

Joe Scapelitte is the youngest of Purpura’s three sons, with Daniel being the oldest and Frank in the middle. Scapelitte said they were raised in the Sicilian section of Foote Avenue in the early 1950s. Purpura was a cake decorator her whole life, making wedding cakes.

Sara Purpura and her son, Joe Scapelitte at Hultquist Place during Monday’s party. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse

“I think she’s made everyone in our family’s wedding cakes,” Scapelitte said. “These cakes are a sight to behold. She would pay attention to the most minor details while making a cake — the results were pure magic.”

Scapelitte added that she was married to Frank Scapelitte for 25 years and then later married Jim Purpura, who passed away about 10 years ago. Another of her son’s, Daniel Scapelitte, said she is still very active, even at 100.

“She’s active on Facebook, YouTube and other social media platforms,” said Daniel Scapelitte. “Even at 100 years old, she still keeps busy and moving, maybe more so now than when she was younger.”

On Monday, Purpura’s birthday, another party was held at Hultquist Place, where she has resided for the last year and a half. The birthday celebration was attended by family, other residents, and Hultquist Place staff, along with city and state officials such as Mayor Kim Ecklund and Senator George Borrello.

Joe Scapelitte was in attendance on Monday with his mother. He said it took a few months for his mother to get used to the assisted living facility, but she is very happy now.

Sara Purpura receives a certificate from Senator George Borello during Monday’s celebration. Submitted photo

“It took the first three months or so for her to adjust, but she is doing fine now,” Scapelitte said. “She is very happy and healthy. Her blood work is good all of the time, and I keep saying, ‘what the heck, mom?'”

He said that she lived on her own for a while before coming to Hultquist Place, about four houses down from her sons, so they were able to keep an eye on her. After needing to go to rehab about two years ago she had the choice of living with one of them or going to assisted living at Hultquist Place, which is where she elected to go.

Staff and other residents at Hultquist Place had only good things to say about Purpura.

“She’s always trying to feed you,” Carol Paddock said. “She bakes still, like she used to bake wedding cakes. The other day she baked bread and insisted I try some.”

Another resident, Angie Morganti, grew up with Purpura as a neighbor. She said they were friends back then and have been friends since coming to Hultquist Place as well.

Sara Purpura, a local woman who recently reached her 100th birthday, being celebrated with her family in Celoron on Saturday.

“It’s wonderful to see her reach 100,” Morganti said. “I am 96, and I hope I make it to 100.”

Hultquist Place staff referred to Purpura as “the sweetest and kindest lady”, saying that even at 100 she is still very sharp and has all of her wits. She also has roses in her room that she makes similarly to when she was making wedding cakes.

“All of our residents are awesome,” said Mary Fusco, Director of Assisted Living for Hultquist Place. “She is very nurturing. She’s like everybody’s mom or grandma. She looks after everybody.”

Sara Purpura during her Saturday celebration. P-J photo by Chris Blakeslee