Lena Josephine Farrell

Lena Josephine Farrell was born on December 3, 1921 and passed into eternal life on July 18, 2022. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, but returned with her parents to northern Italy as a toddler. Her brother, Luigi, was born in Italy before the family returned to Ohio. Lena began kindergarten speaking only Italian. She graduated from high school in Cleveland and moved to Washington D.C. where she worked several jobs for government agencies before joining the Navy during WWII.

After the war, Lee met and married Louis Cachat on August 2, 1947. They went on to have 5 children in 7 years: Ken, Don, Alice, Patty and Tom. In May 1962, the family, including Lee’s mother, moved to California. Grandma Gromo lived with the family until her death in 1969. Lee worked in the Fountain Valley School District for many years while raising her children. She married Harry Farrell in 1977, gaining 5 more children and their families. Lee and Harry spent many years camping, traveling in their motorhome, hosting New Year’s day open houses and family picnics at Doheny and watching the Angels play baseball.

In retirement, Lee kept busy with Good Neighbors, book discussion group at the library and playing bridge in the St. Edward Round Robin, Niguel Shores bridge group and with many friends. She truly loved the game. She volunteered at the church and was a member of St. Edward the Confessor for 46 years. Her faith in God was very important to her and helped her through some of the more difficult years. She also used her good sense of humor, love of laughter and ability to laugh at herself to get through good and bad times.

At the end of her life, Lee enjoyed the company of her 14 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. She was wonderful about sending birthday cards to everyone and knew all of the dates to remember. She loved her family and friends and was a true “people person”.

Lee was predeceased by her parents, Modesta and Amadeo Gromo, Luigi Gromo, Louis Cachat, Harry Farrell, her son, Ken Cachat, and her grandson Nathanael Cachat.

A rosary for Lena will be held Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 10:15 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point, CA 92629. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 11:00 AM, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point, CA 92629. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683.