News Summary
Nilda DeSGranges, a beloved North Providence resident, celebrated her 100th birthday on April 21, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. The milestone was honored with a special cake and a visit from Mayor Charles Lombardi. Nilda, originally from Fall River, Massachusetts, has spent 44 years in North Providence, where her vibrant spirit and dedication to family and friends have made her a cherished figure in the community. Her love for dance, fine food, and beauty continues to inspire everyone she meets.
North Providence – Nilda DeSGranges, a beloved resident of North Providence, celebrated her remarkable 100th birthday on April 21, 2025. The celebrations were marked by a beautifully adorned cake featuring real flowers and a special visit from Mayor Charles Lombardi, who joined in honoring her incredible milestone.
Originally hailing from Fall River, Massachusetts, Nilda has called North Providence home for the past 44 years. As the youngest of five siblings, she has built a lifetime of cherished memories that are now being celebrated by family and friends. Her niece, Carol VanNieuwenhuize, described her aunt as radiating beauty, spirit, and an undeniable zest for life, all qualities that have made her a beloved figure among those who know her.
During an intimate birthday gathering, VanNieuwenhuize inquired about Nilda’s secret to her longevity. Nilda humorously shared that her go-to skincare product is Pond’s Cold Cream. This statement reflects her background in the beauty industry, where she made her mark as the owner of Salon de Beaute on Greenville Avenue. Under her care, clients not only received haircuts but also experienced transformations, underscoring the warmth and talent she brought to her work.
Despite not having children of her own, Nilda enjoys a close bond with her niece, who she considers her best friend. Their relationship includes daily visits where they share lunch together. Nilda has also had a few cherished pets over the years, including a spaniel, a French poodle, and a German shepherd named Trooper, with whom she shared companionship throughout her life.
Dancing stands out as one of Nilda’s lifelong passions. Known for participating in jitterbug and ballroom dancing, she carefully selected her dance partners, showcasing her vibrant personality and enjoyment of life. Nilda expresses that reaching 100 years has not changed how she feels about herself, exclaiming that she feels “wonderful” and is happy to celebrate this milestone.
Nilda has a taste for fine food, with favorites including spaghetti and ice cream cones. Her niece often treats her to these delights, and she enjoys weekly Chinese dining outings as well as returning to an Italian restaurant on Smith Street for her cherished spaghetti. She is well known for her love of getting her hair done and is viewed as a positive influence with both inner and outer beauty.
Over the years, Nilda has witnessed significant events in her family’s life, enjoying moments that include the growth of her niece’s family. Her niece recently welcomed a fourth child into the family, highlighting the ongoing love and support that Nilda continues to provide to her loved ones.
As Nilda DeSGranges celebrates this remarkable milestone, her legacy continues to inspire those around her, exemplifying the values of longevity, joy, and deep connections with family and friends. Her life story resonates with many, showcasing the beauty of living fully and wholeheartedly at every age.
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Additional Resources
- Valley Breeze: Nilda DeSGranges Turns 100
- Wikipedia: Longevity
- Valley Breeze: North Providence Coronavirus Update
- Google Search: Centenarians
- Valley Breeze: North Providence Parks Celebrate Christmas
- Google Scholar: Aging and Health
- Valley Breeze: North Providence Education Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: The Importance of Family Connections
- Valley Breeze: North Providence Community Spotlight
- Google News: Celebrating Milestones
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
