Lena Wilson

Lena passed on peacefully with her family by her side late Friday night into early Saturday on May 16, 2020.

She was born October 27, 1932 late at night and into the morning. She left this earth to join her mother, husband, and her family for a party in Heaven on May 16, 2020.

Lena met her husband Franklin Wilson (Noel), her across the street

neighbor, while in grade school. She taught after graduating from St Joseph’s Catholic College in New York. She was so young and courageous teaching the poor and under privileged in one of the poorest and roughest areas of New York City in the early 50’s. She also taught pre-school in the early days of the Head Start Program in Pomona California. They married, had two children, Mark and Marina, and moved to California in 1963. Lena brought her Mom and Father born in Sicily, aunt uncle, and Grandfather (all from Sicily). It was a magical time for the whole family; they had wonderful times together, Sunday Dinners and lots of Family and Friends.

Later in 1975, Lena and her family moved to Newport Beach where she taught pre-school and started a Kindergarten at Temple Bat Yahm, in Newport Beach. Children absolutely adored her and she had the gift of making each child feel special. Children would be drawn to her like the pied piper (it was incredible).

Franklin, her husband, passed into Heaven in 1989 after a short illness. Sister Agatha Faimon of Our Lady Queen of Angels and her niece (MaryEllen) and my mom’s wonderful friends were by her side helping through the time of her husband’s death. Lena then joined a wonderful Bible Study at OLQA; she loved her time with her friends.

Lena battled Alzheimer’s disease with the help of her two children in her home for 10 years and was cherished each day. She also had a small group of amazing and kind caregivers who she adored and who adored her.

A friend told her son that when he thought of the shape of kindness it was Lena. Her life was a living example of Kindness, loyalty and Love. Her smile lit up the room. Everyone she loved; she touched deeply.