Much has changed in West New York over the past 50 years. The once-industrial town has experienced residential growth, an increase in restaurants and retailers, and a boom in cultural diversity. Maria Donato has watched the evolution of the city from her third floor kitchen window in Sunshine Gardens.
Originally from Italy and two months shy of her 92nd birthday, Maria’s angelic face, impeccably styled gray hair, and sharp mind all belie her years. Her immaculate apartment, the walls of which depict a family history in pictures, is as warm and welcoming as Maria. Although she receives help with her cleaning, Maria takes pride in tidying up, dusting off a framed picture of her family before passing it around to be admired.
With all else intact, only her English is broken, yet she conveys each thought intelligibly. When in need of assistance with a word, her granddaughter, Amanda, assists.
The youngest of seven children, Maria’s life in America began with a 10-day journey by sea in 1952 from her home in Calabria, in the southern region of Italy. On a ship of strangers, Maria remembers enduring the oft rough waters by taking “seasick pills.”
“If today disappoints, maybe tomorrow will be better.” – Maria Donato, 92
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Ten years after her arrival in the states, Maria, Salvatore, and their daughter, Marie, moved into the apartment in which Maria resides today.
A life in West New York
Although her husband worked nights, Maria was “never afraid to be alone.” She said that, in her building, “Once I hear other people speak Italian, I no be afraid.”
Maria recalled that at that time, West New York was populated mostly by Irish and Italian immigrants. However, she did not maintain her immigrant status for long, attaining U.S. citizenship in 1955.
While she described the transition to life as an American citizen as “easy,” Maria admitted some differences which required a period of adjustment.
“There were more cars, and more people. Italy was a quiet place to live. Everything simple.”
However, the difference that most shocked her was the screened windows of her apartment. “Screens in the windows, was like jail.” She remembered with a smile: “In Italy, everything was wide open.”
Maria watched her world change through her kitchen window. She remembered the gradual obstruction of her once clear view of WNY as the town gentrified, and the population grew. Maria noticed, “Many buildings block the window.”
Maria has witnessed other changes in her hometown throughout the years, one of which was an influx of other cultures mixing in among Irish and Italian families. When asked if she was ever unnerved by the cultural diversity, Maria responded, “When you bother no one, no one bothers you.” Regardless of the changes, Maria loves her home, especially its location in central West New York, rent controlled status, and convenient laundry room.
In her 60 years as an American citizen, Maria’s mind has become a history book. She recalled working as a seamstress in a factory on Nov. 22, 1963 when she heard about the assassination of President Kennedy.
“Everyone stopped working, and cried.”
Strength from family and church
Maria beams when discussing her family, whom she credits as a key to her long life. She recalled Sunday dinners when trays of lasagna and manicotti were at the center of her table. She admits age has slowed her down a bit. Some “pain in my bones and muscles” has limited her ability to cook big meals, but she still enjoys family outings to Red Lobster and her favorite restaurant, the Green Kitchen in Guttenberg, where she often orders the flounder with asparagus and whole wheat pasta.
Maria also credits faith as a reason for her long life and ability to handle change. While her achy bones and muscles have restricted her once regular Mass attendance at Our Lady of Libera Church, her faith remains strong. “I pray every night to make my mind calm.”
Aches and pains have not completely limited Maria’s activity level. She takes occasional bus trips to Atlantic City with other seniors, and is easily recognizable during routine walks along Bergenline Avenue where many people stop her to say hello as she shops.
Along with the joyful changes she has experienced, among them the births of her two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, she has experienced sorrowful changes as well. Of the seven siblings, only Maria remains. And friends in her building have passed away. She suffered her most heart-wrenching loss in 1985, when her husband succumbed to congestive heart failure.
When asked which changes have disappointed her, Maria stated, “Young people don’t have as much respect.” She is also saddened by increased violence.
Although approaching 92, Maria plans to continue living a full life, and while some of the changes she has encountered have disheartened her, she remains hopeful positive change will outweigh negative. Her zest for life is infused with enthusiasm for the future. When asked about the key to her positivity, she said: “If today disappoints, maybe tomorrow will be better.”