
Lucy Cecere was laid to rest yesterday. One of the great ladies of Greenwich Village, Lucy was a tireless advocate for senior citizens, founding the Village's first senior citizen's retirement home in 1971, then helping to create funding for a brand new senior's home on Downing Street in 2010. Everyone knew and loved Lucy, from Sarah Jessica Parker to Patti Smith. Lucy was best friends with City Council speaker Christine Quinn, who gave the eulogy at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church. Patti Smith was also a good friend of Lucy and husband Lenny. Patti sang a beautiful acapella version of Lucy's favorite song, "Stardust." Singing next to the coffin, without a microphone, she closed with a whispered "I love you Lucy."
Daily News: "Lucy Cecere has dedicated her life to advocating for, and assisting her neighbors in Greenwich Village, and lower Manhattan. In 1973, she co-founded The Caring Community, a social service organization committed to serving the frail, elderly "in a manner that fosters independence, dignity, and respect". She has never stopped working for the people that the agency serves. She was a recipient of many community awards."