Lena C. Vanasse, age 104, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025. Born in Coventry, Rhode Island, on February 12, 1920, during the Great Depression, Lena was one of nine children in a close-knit family. Growing up, Lena was the middle child in a family that faced hardship and resilience. As a teenager, she left high school before graduation to help support her parents, embodying the strong work ethic that defined her generation.
She met the love of her life, Paul Vanasse, in 1942, and the two married in 1944. She went on to serve during World War II at the Quonset Point Naval Station, where she worked as a riveter, contributing to the war effort.
Lena's life was shaped by devotion to her family and an unwavering faith in God. Together with Paul, they provided a loving and supportive environment for their four children. Though Lena and Paul eventually made the move to California, the transition wasn’t easy for her, as she missed her life on the East Coast.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Paul Vanasse, and her daughter, Lucille Fell, as well as all of her siblings. She leaves behind her 3 children, William Vanasse and his wife, Jeanne Vanasse (Coventry, RI), Elaine Barden and her husband Daniel Barden from (Gardnerville, NV), Paula Vanasse (San Diego, CA), seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Lena was a woman of deep faith and loved nothing more than gathering with her family—whether it was celebrating birthdays or enjoying a quiet Friday night of cards.
Her legacy will live on through the lessons she taught her family: the value of hard work, the importance of love, and the need to always press on, no matter the obstacles.
Rest in peace, Lena. You will be deeply missed, but forever loved and remembered by all who knew you.
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