New Jersey Woman, 101, Still Works Six Days a Week Running Her Jewelry Shop — She Says Staying Busy and Grateful Is the Secret to Her Long Life
At 101 years old, Ann Angeletti starts her mornings the same way she has for decades — by getting ready for work. While most people her age have long settled into retirement, Ann still opens the doors to her jewelry shop nearly every day, greeting customers with her signature smile and unmatched passion for her craft. She’s the proud owner of Curiosity Jewelers in Cresskill, New Jersey, a business she runs alongside her daughter and granddaughter. Three generations under one roof, all united by love, work ethic, and sparkle.
Ann’s story has inspired many who see her as living proof that age is truly just a number. When asked why she continues to work, she answers without hesitation: “Because I love what I do.” Her words are simple but sincere. For her, work isn’t a chore — it’s purpose. The little jewelry shop is more than a business; it’s a place filled with memories, laughter, and stories shared between friends and family. “I’m lucky,” she says softly. “I get to do what I enjoy, surrounded by people I love.”
According to ABC 7, Ann still works six days a week, moving with the same focus and care that’s defined her career for over seventy years. She doesn’t view her age as a barrier, nor does she see work as something to escape. For Ann, it’s the rhythm of her life. She believes that staying active — mentally and physically — is what keeps her going strong. “When you stop doing what you love, you stop living,” she once told a local reporter.
Her shop, Curiosity Jewelers, is a cozy space filled with intricate pieces that reflect Ann’s eye for beauty. The walls hold more than just displays — they hold history. Each necklace, ring, or bracelet seems to carry a story, much like Ann herself. Regular customers drop by not only for her designs but also to chat, to share a laugh, or to hear a bit of her wisdom. Many describe her as a living legend in town — someone whose spirit brightens every room she enters.
When asked about the secret to her long life, Ann keeps it simple. “Stay grateful,” she says. “And don’t complain.” She believes attitude shapes everything — that how you choose to see your day often determines how long and how happily you’ll live it. She credits her longevity to optimism, laughter, and staying surrounded by people who bring joy. “Family keeps me young,” she adds with a smile.
Ann’s daughter and granddaughter play a big part in her story. They not only work beside her but also admire her resilience and love for life. Her granddaughter once said, “She’s our inspiration. She never slows down, never gives up, and she reminds us every day that work is love in action.”
In a world where most people look forward to slowing down, Ann represents the opposite — a reminder that passion doesn’t have an expiration date. Her life challenges the idea that aging means stepping aside. Instead, she proves that purpose can keep you youthful in ways no secret serum ever could.
As Ann continues her daily routine — unlocking the shop, polishing the jewelry cases, chatting with customers — she does it not for money or recognition, but for something much deeper: joy. “I’m happy where I am,” she says. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”
In her 101 years, Ann Angeletti has lived through more changes than most people can imagine. Yet, through it all, her outlook has remained steady — keep working, keep smiling, and keep loving life. For her, that’s the true secret to longevity: staying curious, kind, and full of purpose every single day.
