Rena May Alexander (Carnicelli), 87, of Winter Haven, Florida passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026 at her home. Rena was born May 5, 1938 to the late Matteo and Margaret (Patterelli) in Auburn, New York.
Rena moved to Florida in 1975 where she raised her children, lived with and took care of her mother for the last ten years of her life until her death in 2001 at the age of 103. Rena retired in 2003 to Winter Haven.
Rena's love in life was her family, immediate and extended, dancing and singing. She loved family reunions, and family get togethers. Dancing and singing was always part of the plan. Rena was a beautiful dancer and was called the "best dancer" in her high school, later winning amateur ballroom contests in Palm Beach County.
Rena is survived by her loving sons Bruce and Brian (Raynette), and loving daughter Natalie. She is also survived by her sisters Clara Picarro and Sandra Lesch. She is lovingly survived by her grandchildren Rena and Dominic DiCampli and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Vincent, Gino, Ralph, Raymond, and Matthew Carnicelli, sisters Palmena Piscitelli, Dora Taylor, Rosemarie Cammuso, and Violet Jones.
Visitation will be held at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home, 2198 K-Ville Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823, US, on March 28, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home on March 28, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. She will be laid to rest at Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens.
