83-Year-Old Builds Community and Friends with Jewelry Creations

83 year-old jewelry artist, Nettie Laurita, a mother of eleven, resides at The Bristal Assisted Living at Wayne. One of Nettie’s greatest passions is creating spiritual jewelry, which she hopes will attract Guardian Angels.

Nettie’s daughters Caroline Manzo, Dina Manzo, and her son Chris Laurita have been featured in a prominent reality television series and have worn her creations on the program.

Ms. Laurita’s expertise is greatly appreciated by fellow residents of The Bristal who flock to her weekly classes and enjoy the challenge of creating unique pieces of jewelry under her guidance. According to Nettie, “My classes are not just about the intricacies of designing jewelry, or the artistic expression it allows, but more importantly it enables my fellow residents to socialize with one another, build new relationships and walk away from each class with a sense of accomplishment and a big smile on their face.”

Nettie says that, “All of us at The Bristal are like extended family, both residents and staff. It gives me great pleasure that we can work together and enjoy our creative efforts. Personal supportive relationships are always important, particularly during this difficult COVID time we are living through.”

Nettie has a workshop set up in her apartment – so in addition to sharing her expertise with her neighbors at The Bristal, she has crafted pieces of jewelry for each of The Bristal’s staff members in honor of their Staff Appreciation Week and she is now working on a handmade wooden centerpiece of pilgrims for The Bristal’s main lobby for Thanksgiving.