Lena Ferraro

The family of Lena (née Lijoi) Ferraro celebrates a life well lived. Lena passed away at the age of 94 on July 29, 2021.She is survived by her four children Concetta (John) Jaworski, Frank (Nancy), Bruno (Christianne), Gregory (Diane), her six grandchildren Matthew (Edith) Jaworski, Gregory (Caryn), Stefanie, Andrew (Rachel) Jaworski, Castiana Johnson, Payton (Nicole) Johnson, her six great-grandchildren Sophia and Benjamin Jaworski, Ryan and Lena Buchanan, Brooks and Lincoln Johnson. She is predeceased by her loving and devoted husband of 71 years, Gregory (2018), her brother Salvatore, and her sisters Catherine and Victoria.

Born in Sant’ Andrea Italy to Bruno and Angela Lijoi, she immigrated to Suffern, New York at the age of 10. She graduated from Suffern High School as salutatorian and gave the salutatory address at her commencement, a proud accomplishment for a girl who came to America and entered the school system not speaking a word of English. After graduating she worked as a teller until her marriage when she resigned to raise a family.

A long time parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, Lena was an active member of Our Lady’s Guild. With her sister Vicky, she embroidered garments for babies receiving the rite of Baptism. She was a talented knitter and crocheter as well, but she is most remembered for her beautiful oil and water color paintings. Her extensive works are cherished by her family. Lena’s talents also included the culinary arts. She was a wonderful cook and a gracious, generous host. She loved to read, was an avid golfer and world traveler with her husband, and worked out daily in the Health & Sports Center in Hillburn.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, August 10th, from 2 to 4 pm, and from 7 to 9 pm, at Edwards Funeral Chapel, 160 Orange Avenue, Suffern, NY 10901.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Lena on Wednesday, August 11th, at 10:00 AM, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 60 Washington Avenue, Suffern, New York, 10901.

Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery, 650 Saddle River Road, Airmont, New York, 10952.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lena’s honor to Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011, (800-272-3900) www.alz.org or Hospice Foundation of America, 1707 L. Street NW, Suite 220, Washington, D.C. 20036, donate@hospicefoundation.org
 

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